Damascene Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2019
Vineyards
Situated on the cooler east-facing slopes of the Bottelary. Grown on soils of decomposed granite, at an altitude of 225m ASL, this low-yielding vineyard produces smaller bunches that offer incredible concentration, structure, and ripeness at lower sugar levels.
Winemaking and Maturation
Bunches were de-stemmed and gravity fed into tulip-shaped concrete fermenters, where whole berries were cold soaked for three days, before primary ferment commenced.
For optimum extraction, pump-overs took place up to three times per day, with fermentation temperatures peaking at 28˚C. Spontaneous malolactic conversion took place during the 11 months of maturation in 1000-litre French oak vats. The wine was racked just once, two weeks prior to bottling.
This wine will be at its most expressive between five and 10 years.
Tasting Notes
Fragrant notes of Highveld scrub abound; leafy and spiced with cedar. Elements of cinnamon, wrapped in spools of sweet tobacco and hay add complexity.
On the palate, there’s an edge of wet black gravel before the firm, fresh red fruit comes fully into focus, adorned by fennel bulb, bramble, plums, redcurrants, and a glorious line of savoury tomato essence.
The wine is opulent in structure, without being heavy-handed. Supple tannins weave around a core of black plum fruit and soy, buoyed by a gentle, cleansing acidity followed by a velvety, smooth finish.
Technical Details
Production: approximately 2000 bottles
