Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek vs Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

If 2017 and 2021 are generally highly collectible vintages for South African fine wine, then 2020 simply isn’t in the same league. Boekenhoutskloof, of course, makes two versions of single-variety of Cab, one from Franschhoek and the other from Stellenbosch. The cellar relates that Franschhoek experienced  fairly good rainfall but a high diurnal temperature range making for a “viticulturally extreme year” while Stellenbosch was windy and dry leading to a wine with “a focus on tannins rather than acidity”. Tasting notes and ratings as follows:

Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: R495
86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14 % Cabernet Franc. Matured for 22 months in 225-litre barrels, 80% new. Pretty aromatics of red and black berries, floral perfume, vanilla and cocoa powder. The palate is plush and spread out – the mid-palate solid, the texture creamy but the wine arguably lacking some freshness. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

Boekenhoutskloof Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
Price: R495
96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 22 months in 225-litre barrels, 65% new. Exotic aromatics with top notes of flowers and fynbos before red and black berries, vanilla and spice while the palate shows sweet fruit and fine-grained tannins but again feels a bit short of drive. Alc: 14.5%.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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