Bruce Jack Ghost in the Machine Cabernet Franc 2022

Bruce Jack, ever innovative, is quite happy to combine grapes from the prestigious Helderberg with less celebrated Ashton in making the 2022 vintage of Ghost in the Machine Cabernet Franc 2022 and the result is more than satisfactory.

Including a 13% portion of Petit Verdot, the wine underwent 14 months of maturation in older oak. Red and black berries, violets, fennel and other herbs plus pencil shavings on the nose. The palate is medium bodied (alcohol is 13.5%) with pleasantly tart acidity and powdery tannins. Price: R233 a bottle.

Of interest, too, is the packaging – each bottle carries a unique label, always different from the bottle next to it. This is achieved by using three labels and passing the bottle through the labelling machine more than once.

CE’s rating: 91/100.

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