Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek 2018

Description

Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet 2018, 75cl

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.

Our Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from four individual parcels adjacent to one another on a south-westerly aspect of our Franschhoek valley, where the soil is predominantly sandy loam over granitic bedrock. 2016 was a great vintage in all respects, although it was preceded by our wildest growing season to date, with extreme heat and drought conditions to be contended with.

A brooding nose entices with its abundance of black- and blueberry aromas and hints of cigar box and tobacco spiciness. The palate is exceptionally full and round, yet precise with the creme de cassis, black currant and Cedar wood of the nose following through with notes of pencil shavings, red capsicum, tealeaf and subtle cloves. Grainy tannins and a perfect acidity balance the dark berry fruit on a rich mid-palate, suggesting significant ageing protentional. The finish is smooth and complex with its offering of red liquorice, fennel bulb and exotic spice and an impressive length.

“With a delightful and complex nose, the 2018 Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon bursts with aromas of juicy black plum, currant and creme de cassis before elegant baking spices waft out of the glass with a soft mineral essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays elements of graphite and pencil shavings with notions of baked clay and dusty cherry skin before energetic acidity and firm tannins weigh on the palate. With sweet herbs and dried tobacco, the wine finishes long, complex and lingering with a firm, tannic edge. With the Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon getting the same treatment and selling at the same price, my money is on this Stellenbosch Cabernet. Almost 20,000 bottles were filled after spending 22 months in 70% new French oak. Drink 2021 - 2031"

91 points

(Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate, May 2021)