2009 Cabernet Franc, Oldenburg Vineyards Stellenbosch, South Africa

It’s rare to find a wine made from 100% Cabernet Franc outside the Loire Valley; more often, the varietal is used as a component in Bordeaux-style blends. Here, however, one could almost argue that this 100% Cabernet Franc is the finest red wine in the Oldenburg portfolio. It is a grape which does need to be ripe at harvest time, in order to avoid green pepper, leafy aromas, and Oldenburg seem to have no trouble achieving this. The bouquet exhibits notes of wild berry fruit with a distinct and attractive herbal tone; the palate has fresh acidity, crisp crunchy fruit and, above all, a wonderful texture in the mouth.
Alun Griffiths MW, Wine Director