ANTHONIJ RUPERT CABERNET FRANC 2019

Compote of red and black berry fruit dusted with baking spice on the nose. Lovely interplay of ripe, yet lively hedgerow and dark fruit with spice, bright succulence and a deeper, earthier cocoa note. Rounded, plush and rich, the wine is elegant, polished and statuesque. Seamless integration of fruit and sympathetic oak adds to the overall impression of harmony. Focused and long with a rewarding finish.

Enveloping aromas of leather, cigar box, tobacco leaf and spice with ripe fruity notes of plum and black berries. The overall impression is one of refinement and elegance – albeit on a powerful but suave palate. Those same dark fruit compote notes are found in the mouth, with spicy cinnamon and nutmeg vibrance alongside. Beautifully textured, with a plush, softness and approachability which belies the nuanced impression of a darker, more potent leashed muscularity lurking below. It’s almost impossible to discern where fruit ends and oak begins so superbly meshed and harmonious are these components. There is nothing harsh, hard or astringent on this version of a grape cultivar known for it. Attractively dry and generous with a lingering spicy farewell.

Complex bouquet of fruitcake, cedar, cocoa and a perfumed whiff of dried lavender. Broad, fleshy and succulent with all of that the nose promises being delivered on the palate. Spice sprinkled cedar with rich dark fruitcake flavour. Wonderfully soft, rounded and silky palate that shows cohesion and refinement. Impressive density and concentration that doesn’t overwhelm. Nor does the oak used in the maturation of this impressive blend. Plush, comfortable and eminently rewarding with a lingering dry tail.

Typical cherry, plum, spice and forest floor aromas. Light smoke whiff too. A suave, supple and confident mouthful of red berry fruit which combines with smooth, silky texture. Integrated and harmonious with seamless oak and appealing dry spice notes throughout. Impressive length of flavour.