Cabernet Sauvignon, Boekenhoutskloof 2009

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is raised in new French oak for 27 months. It has a wonderful lifted bouquet with blueberry, black plum and a touch of seaweed that is well defined. The palate is full-bodied, but the tannins are very fine and allow the pure blackberry and raspberry fruit to flourish all the way to the finish. There is a touch of white pepper and white fennel underneath, but overall, this is a wine of great composure and finesse even if the oak is rather excessive. Drink now-2019.

Deep garnet with bricky rim. Beautiful aroma – very slight and attractive leafiness from the Cabernet Franc – but still shows Cabernet Sauvignon's varietal character of cedary black fruit. There's a lot of fruit sweetness on the palate but the whole is harmonious, rich, deep and long. Some undergrowth but mostly still the senescent fruit. Deep and rich with a lovely fresh bite on the finish. Smooth, dense tannins add to the impressive length. Still has plenty of life in it. (JH) 14.3%