
Cabernet Sauvignon
75cl * 14.5% ABV * Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Boekenhoutskloof winery is located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the Boekenhoutskloof name means “ravine of the Beechwood(Boekenhout)” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). The indigenous Boekenhout tree is prized for furniture making. The label of the premium Boekenhoutskloof range pays tribute to the skills of the 18th century craftsmen and the beauty they created from natural sources, which is echoed in winemakers Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke's pursuit of fine wine-making.
The Cabernet Sauvignon for this wine is grown in the sub-district of Helderburg of Stellenbosch. These grapes show a distinctive minerality and graphite-like profile. This is because the grapes are grown on high-altitude slopes, the mild maritime climate of the False Bay and the geological composition of the soils.
2017 was particularly warm and dry and a viticultural choice was made to leave the grapes hanging just a bit longer. As a result the bunches were small and the yield small too. However, the grapes were concentrated and the extra hang time allowed for the classic pyrazine, green edge, to Cabernet Sauvignon to wane, whilst enhancing the very big black fruit characters. Expect this wine to be full of Black fruit characters and a balanced touch of Oak, having spent 18 months in barrel, 60% of which was new French oak.
Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, graphite and exotic spice. One the palate the wine is full-bodied with hints of blackberry, blueberry, cedar up front. There are hints of spices and a touch of herbs, the lingering pyrazines. Supple tannins and integrated acidity. The wine is well balanced. Blueberry, graphite, bay leaf and cocoa on the lingering long finish.