Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof 2023

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Franschhoek contains slightly more Cabernet Franc in the blend, with more new French oak (80%). This has quite a striking menthol-tinged bouquet that slightly obscures the fruit profile (winemaker Gottfried Mocke puts this down to the Cabernet Franc). The palate is medium-bodied with succulent, ripe tannins, a little medicinal in style, fleshy with a bright, almost Syrah-like finish. Give it 12 to 18 months in bottle. Drink 2026-2036.

This focused and full-bodied red has aromas and flavors of black beans, dried herbs, black cherries, cassis and bark. Polished and well-integrated, with firm, velvety tannins that melt into the fruit. Drink or hold.

Nearly all sourced from the farm in Franschhoek, this is the more floral of the two Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignons in 2023, partly thanks to the presence of 14% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Carrying its 80% new oak lightly, it's leafy, scented and enticing, with filigree tannins, impressive underlying structure and acidity and dried herb, cassis and paprika flavours. Drink: 2026-33