Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek Cabernet 2021

Stunning wine as always! A very elegant, floral nose of violets, menthol and blueberry aromas and hints of cigar box and tobacco spiciness. The palate is exceptionally full and round, yet precise with a crème de cassis, black currant and Cedar wood of the nose following through with notes of pencil shavings, red capsicum, tea leaf and notes of clove. 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 and exotic spice and an impressive length.

Country: South Africa

Region: Franschoek

Grapes: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc

ABV: 14.5%

Tim Atkin MW

96 points. Boekenhoutskloof's Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon is picked two weeks later than its Stellenbosch stable mate and is a fresher, more refined wine. Benefitting from the inclusion of 12% Cabernet Franc from the vines around the winery, it has aromas of graphite, violet and eucalyptus, palate-caressing, granular tannins and red berry and blackcurrant leaf flavours. 2024-35



James Suckling

94 points. Lovely spicy fragrance of thyme, licorice and clove to the dark berry fruit. Full-bodied, deep and polished, with sturdy tannins. Spicy and muscular. Cabernet sauvignon with 14% cabernet franc. Try from 2024.



Neal Martin-Vinous.

89 points. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, blended with 12% Cabernet France, is naturally fermented and aged over 22 months, 95% French barriques. It has a more fruit forward bouquet than its Stellenbosch counterpart; brambly red fruit, blood orange, hints of marmalade and tobacco. Quite exuberant with touches of menthol developing. The medium bodied palate has succulent tannins, juicy and generous with black pepper-infused black fruit. Oddly, this is quite Syrah-like in style a “fun” Cabernet leaving the seriousness to the Stellenbosch Cabernet.