This trellised Bottelary vineyard was planted to the CF1 Cabernet Franc clone in 2004. It lies 16.5 km north of False Bay and 22.5 km east of Table Bay, so maritime influence is strong and clearly readable in the wine. A cooler east-facing aspect, decomposed granite soils and an altitude of 225 metres give low yields, small bunches and real concentration and structure.

Winter came late to Stellenbosch in 2025 and left slowly. July brought record rainfall but cold units ran roughly three weeks behind the previous season, budburst was late, and heavy October rain fuelled vigorous canopies. Flowering took place in settled air, avoiding the wind damage of the year before. After a single heat spike at Christmas, January maximums ran up to 3 °C cooler than the year before and the cool weather held into March. The Cabernet Franc was picked by hand between 12 and 14 March, about two weeks later than in 2024.

The grapes were destemmed and gravity-fed into tulip-shaped concrete fermenters, where whole berries were cold soaked for three days before fermentation. Pump-overs were done up to three times a day with temperatures peaking at 28 °C. Malolactic conversion happened spontaneously during ten months in 2,000 litre Austrian oak foudre, and the wine was racked just once, two weeks before bottling.

Tasting Notes: A striking expression of the variety, combining vibrancy, elegance, and savoury complexity in equal measure. Aromatically captivating, it opens with distinctive notes of freshly sliced plum tomato, wild Mediterranean herbs, and dried fennel, layered with black cherry, crushed raspberry, and a delicate lift of red rose petals. The bouquet is both inviting and nuanced, revealing greater detail with every swirl of the glass. On the palate, the wine displays remarkable purity and precision. Bright red cherry and ripe wild strawberry unfold seamlessly before giving way to a focused core of tart raspberry, sour cherry, and subtle cranberry freshness. The fruit is framed by finely woven tannins that provide structure without weight, creating a sense of effortless balance and refinement. Beneath the vibrant fruit lies a compelling savoury character, with hints of graphite, dried herbs, and earthy spice contributing depth and sophistication. Energetic and beautifully composed, the wine finishes long and persistent, its bright acidity and elegant tannic framework carrying layers of red fruit and savoury complexity well beyond the final sip. Charming in its youth yet possessing the structure for further development, this is a Cabernet Franc that captures the poise, freshness, and distinctive character of Stellenbosch with remarkable clarity.

Food Pairing: Thrives alongside dishes that mirror its vibrant freshness and savoury charm. Herb-crusted rack of lamb is a natural partner, its rosemary and garlic notes echoing the wine's wild herbal character, while roasted duck with cherry glaze beautifully complements the bright red fruit core. The wine's distinctive plum tomato nuance makes it equally compelling with wood-fired pizza, slow-cooked ratatouille, or roasted tomato and aubergine tart. For relaxed entertaining, pair with artisanal charcuterie, bresaola, and fresh goat's cheese, where the lively acidity and fine tannins refresh the palate between every bite. Serve at 15 to 17°C to showcase its aromatic lift, purity, and elegant red-fruited energy.

‘From a Bottelary, Stellenbosch vineyard. Matured for 10 months in 2,00-litre foudre. Rose, violets, red and black berries, herbs, pencil shavings and spice on the nose. The palate has an extraordinary succulence, with concentrated fruit, fresh acidity and velvety tannins. Well balanced and full of flavour. Alc: 13.42%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100 | Delicious

'A cool, earthy nose reminiscent of a freshly tilled meadow slowly opens to gorgeous crushed rose and fragrant concentration. There is an array of red to black berry fruit with taut cherry pip and plum skin at the core. The savoury palate offers notes of hoisin and preserved lemon, supported by super-fine and detailed tannins. There is so much going on here. The grippy, fine and chalky tannins add a graphite touch. Rich, fresh and clean to end. A wine of immense layered complexity.' – James Pietersen, September 2026

ANALYSIS: ALC 13.42% | TA 5.3g/L | pH 3.57| RS 1.6g/L