ANTHONIJ RUPERT CABERNET FRANC 2020

Genteel, suave and refined, t he nose is complex, layered with cassis, earth, hint of herbs, black cherry and spice. That same elegance is found in the mouth, sleek, supple and velvety on entry. The next element to become apparent is the harmony and balance of the ripe cassis, black cherry and dark berry fruit with succulent acid freshness. Afterwards, the herb, tobacco leaf, cedar and nutty notes make themselves known, along with the appropriately firm angularity of the tannin frame provided by oak maturation. Thrilling, taut and energetic, it’s drinking well now but will comfortably handled a decade or more in bottle.

A subtle floral hint lifts the rich nose of fruitcake, black berries, herb and peppery spice. Ripe, soft-textured and juicy black fruit is the first flavour in the mouth. Vibrant spice – nutmeg, pepper and cinnamon – then make their presence felt, followed by a creamy oak note. The wood, which is harmoniously knit with the fruit and fresh acid, lends both stature, frame and without taking over or dominating. Deeply rewarding with rounded mouthfeel and a long elegant tail. Genteel and refined.

The seduction begins with dark fruitcake on the nose, with a wisp, or mere suggestion, of dried lavender florality. Velvety, sleek, supple, polished and glossy entry to the mouth. Confident and poised. An abundance of rich fruitcake, tobacco leaf, plum and cedar spice mingle happily. The palate is nuanced, layered and complex: simultaneously seductive and engaging but not ponderous. Rewardingly succulent with seamlessly integrated oak, it is restrained, refined and elegantly genteel with a lingering farewell. Beautifully harmonious and composed to the end.

Fine, energetic bubbles. Trademark kelp and sea breeze with a trace of citrus zest and sourdough bread. Bright lemon sherbet freshness on the palate entry. Trademark light oyster and briny sea air notes buffer the energetic and lovely crisp citrus tang of acidity. Time on lees in the bottle then lends a rounded upwelling of rich, creamy, yeast flavours, along with the same sourdough from the nose. Structured, firm and dry with a purposeful and elegant complexity. Classic, rewarding and long.