Holden Manz Cabernet Franc Reserve 2014

Beast.

How to understand single-varietal Cabernet Franc in the South African context? If the talking point about the currently available Raats 2013 is just how particularly leafy it is aromatically (see here) then the Holden Manz Reserve 2014 provides an interesting counterpoint being much more about fruit power.

The Holden Manz wine has an alcohol of 15.17% (compared to 14.5% in the case of the Raats) and shows plenty of red and black berry character although is not devoid of other aromatics with violets, a hint of fresh herbs and spice also to be noted. On the palate, meanwhile, it is dense and smooth-textured. All that fruit weight impresses and I couldn’t help but admire how polished and precise the wine is generally but I think I’d care for a little more charm and insouciance. Price: R595 a bottle.

#WinemagRating: 88/100.

Find our South African wine ratings database here.