Description
CELLAR INFORMATION Harvested between 23rd March and 5th April 2018 compared with 28th March for the 2017 vintage. 100% barrel fermented using wild yeast before 22 months of maturation in a selection of French oak barrels. Selected bunches from our cabernet franc vineyard were berry sorted before a 10 day cold soak. Berries were transferred to French oak barrels (80% new) with 10% whole cluster and allowed to ferment slowly using wild yeast at low temperatures. Post fermentation maturation of 97 days. VINEYARD INFORMATION Winter 2017 was a continuation of the drought. Spring brought showers which assisted early growing. These continued through until December. Not a particularly windy vintage allowed the bunches to develop well. February and March were noteworthy for a lack of heatwave; long cool nights and pleasant late summer days which contributed to exceptional ripeness. This was our latest harvest time for a few years. Our 2018 wines are concentrated with dense flavours and good structure.
Reviews
JancisRobinson.com 85
[Jancis Robinson, 01/01/2023]
Greg Sherwood 94
The colour is deep, dark and opaque and the aromatics plush, luxurious and expressive with rich layers of violets, rum and raisin pipe tobacco, opulent red and black berry fruits, sun raisined black cherries, stewed black plums and a melange of red and black berry fruits macerated in liquor with a sweet cedar spice undertone that points the mind firmly towards Cabernet Franc. The palate matches the aromatic opulence pound for pound, unfurling across the mouth with notes of cherry kirsch liquor, sweet molasses, bruleed coffee beans and a smooth, creamy mouth-coating depth. Undoubtedly an impressive expression with plenty of muscle and horsepower but also an admirably creamy, harmonious precision. The perfect fine wine winter warmer. – Greg Sherwood MW. [Greg Sherwood, 01/01/2023]
Producer Profile
A family owned wine producer located in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley. Established by owners Gerard Holden (a British investment banker in another life) & Migo Manz in 2010. The 22ha estate is situated between the Franschhoek River and Stony Brook at 300m above sea level. With only 16 ha under vine, their focus has always been red grape varieties, though their stellar white wines, from the reserve Chardonnay, to the Chenin Blanc, and now Semillon requires further inspection. Best you read the critic’s notes and taste, to see for yourself!
