Boekenhoutskloof, Cabernet Sauvignon, Franschhoek 2020

Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.

Grapes for our Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon are picked from individual vineyards planted adjacent to one another. The Cabernet Sauvignon and small portion of Cabernet Franc vineyards planted at Boekenhoutskloof have been organically farmed for 12 years now and produce exceptional quality fruit, with each ongoing vintage. The nose is delicate and refined, shy and very brooding at first, yet alluring with intense dark berry fruit and classic graphite aromas. The entry is smooth and silky, with flavours of blueberries, blackberries, dark liquorice and garrigue adding complexity to a dense, well-structured mid-palate. The wine is richly textured, concentrated, austere and elegant, with its powdery, dusty, fine-grained tannins, fresh acidity to balance an attractive herbaceous streak. Boysenberry and cocoa powder linger in the mouth, with gentle hints of aniseed and black cardamom.