2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Boekenhoutskloof, Stellenbosch

The nose on this outstanding wine reminds me of an elite Cabernet from another part of the world – Frankland River in Western Australia. There is more than a hint of ‘Houghton Jack Mann’ on the perfume and palate of this wine’s sensational 25th-anniversary release. Underpinning the profoundly deep black fruit notes is a sense of earthiness and energy that allows the blackberry and blackcurrant flavours to soar. With 70% new French oak on board, which has been folded away perfectly into the heart of this mighty wine, there is an extra dimension of flavour here thanks to the addition of a soupcon of Cabernet Franc. Only a handful of South African wines manage to capture this noble grape’s true essence while maintaining a compelling sense of stylishness. 2020 CSF does this in spades and it will continue to do so for two decades.

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek contains a little more Cabernet Franc than its Stellenbosch counterpart (14%) and sees a touch more new oak (80%). Another difference is that nowadays most of the fruit comes from their own vines. This has a more appealing bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, cedar and a hint of leather, just showing more personality than the Stellenbosch. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fresh and slightly minty with good grip and substance towards the finish. Give this two or three years in bottle.

Featuring 14% Cabernet Franc - a higher amount than usual - this Cabernet Sauvignon is "nearly" an estate wine, according to Gottfried Mocke. The more European of Boekenhoutskloof's two releases, it has tarragon and graphite aromas, fine-grained tannins, red pepper, green herb and blackcurrant flavours and a fresh, acid-driven finish. The 80% new wood is very well integrated.