2019 Warwick Cabernet Franc

The Warwick Cabernet Franc, together with the Blue Lady , is the flagship of the South African top winery Warwick . It is a wine coming from a single vineyard Cabernet Franc. Warwick was one of the first Estates to bottle Cabernet Franc as a single variety in 1988. Since then it has garnered constant acclaim and Cabernet Franc is now synonymous with Warwick. Warwick's unique terroir is highly varietal, creating wines with elegance and finesse. The wine is only made in the top years and this 2019 has again received the maximum score of 5 * from Platter.

Two specific blocks have been used to produce this special and unique wine. Harvested, destemmed and tank sorted by hand. The wines spent up to 36 days depending on the tannin structure with three or four pumpings per day and then pressed to undergo malolactic fermentation in barrel and tank. On completion, the wine was aged in French oak barrels for 27 months (65% new oak was used) for a rigorous selection process, using only the best barrels. These barrels are blended together and clarified naturally before bottling. The wine then undergoes bottle aging before it becomes available. Every year we receive only a very limited number of bottles. We received the 2018 volume in spring 2021.

The wine has a deep dark ruby red color with aromas of fresh earth, minerals, black cherries and mocha. This wine has all the characteristics of cleaned fruit and a mouthful of soft juicy tannins. A profusely long, round and luscious finish. This elegant wine can age for fifteen years, so that a beautiful character can develop. This wine tastes great with freshly made tagliatelle with a duck ragout or with pasta with fresh truffle. A grilled ribeye steak with anchovy butter and a little shredded spinach will do the trick, too.

A selection of the Awards:

2017 95pts – Tim Atkin SA Wine Report 2020

2016 95pts – Tim Atkin SA Wine Report

2015 93pts – South African Wine Index (SAWI)
17pts – Jancis Robinson

2014 90pts – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2012 90pts – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
91pts – Neal Martin – Vinous
92pts – Tim Atkin SA Wine Report
17pts – Jancis Robinson

Close to Stellenbosch, on the way to Paarl is Warwick Estate. This winery has a long history dating back to the year 1791. Between 1791 and 1920, it had a different name and was called "Good Success". This name was changed to Warwick by then owner Alexander Gordon after the Warwickshire regiment in which he served. In 1964 Stan and Norma Ratcliffe bought the estate and started planting Cabernet Sauvignon. At that time they sold the grapes and did not use them for their own production, although Norma wanted to. She studied winemaking and a wine cellar was built. Warwick's first Vintage was 1984. Stan and Norma's son Mike has been at the helm of the company for some years now. He is assisted by winemaker Louis Nel.

Warwick's wines are certified organic which means that no fertilizers, chemical pesticides and no pesticides such as herbicides are used. At Warwick they go one step further and determine the sun and moon phases for harvesting and pruning