Cabernet Franc 2023

ABOUT The Landscape Series showcases our finest vineyard sites, together with a few old vine treasures, and aims to give an honest representation of the elements that make them unique. Artist Rod Freemantle painted each label using pigments he made by grinding rocks and soil from Gabriëlskloof's own vineyards. Each label carries the earth of the farm itself. VINEYARD NOTES The 21-year-old vineyard is situated on a rocky mountainside site on the Gabriëlskloof property. The soil combines Overberg Shale and Table Mountain Sandstone. Vintage ‘23 was characterised by low yields and early ripening, resulting in wines of excellent concentration and marked freshness, particularly in the whites. Late-season rain delayed ripening on the reds, leading to challenges, but increased flavour development and elegance. WINEMAKING All fruit was destemmed and fermented naturally, with daily pump-overs until fermentation stopped. Aged in barrel (30% new oak) for 14 months. TASTING NOTE Black cherry, mulberries and gravel at the forefront, before aromatics of cocoa, seaweed and earth. The palate is bone-dry and grippy, showing chocolate, blackberries, cinnamon, and cloves. As the wine uncoils, the red fruits arrive, notably red plum and redcurrant, as does a minty herbaceousness that freshens the ripe-fruited palate. TECHNICAL Alc 14.23% vol | RS 1.5 | TA 5.6 | pH 3.51