Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek vs Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

If the 2020 vintages of Boekenhoutskloof’s two examples of Cabernet Sauvignon were a little underwhelming (see here), both wines from 2021 are very much a return to form.

Franschoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R525
Includes 12% Cabernet Franc. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 95% new. Attractive aromatics of red and black berries, oystershell, dried herbs and flowers while the palate is poised – pure fruit, bright acidity and firm but not coarse tannins, the finish long and savoury. A wine of substance but also energy. Alc: 14.97%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Price: R525
Grapes from the Helderberg and Vlottenburg. Matured for 22 months in barrel, 60% new. Brooding aromatics of dark berries, violets, incense, pencil shavings and earth. The palate is sumptuous and deep – a dense core of fruit, bright acidity and nicely grippy tannins. Seems particularly age-worthy. Alc: 14.87%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.