Circumstance Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch

Founded by Paul Boutinot in 2004, Waterkloof is a family-owned, organic, biodynamic and WWF Biodiversity Champion farm perched high up on the windswept Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay and The Atlantic Ocean. Living soils and a natural approach to winemaking means that each of the single-varietal wines in the Circumstance range is truly defined by the circumstances influencing the chosen varietal and vineyard blocks, including soil, aspect, altitude and vintage. These factors combine to produce low yields, balanced grapes and wines with a true sense of place. Paul and his team planted plenty of Cabernet Franc upon taking over the property and judging by the early results, it certainly has a great future ahead of it on Waterkloof. The wine is left on the skins for 35 days before going through malolactic fermentation in mainly old barriques then ageing for 23 months in the same vessels. No fining, just a light filtration. Vegan friendly, biodynamic wine, and only 65 barrels made. On the nose this is a classic Cabernet Franc with hints of pencil shaving, tomato leaf and lovely red fruits. The mouth feel is long, elegant with a memorable finish and weightless tannins. Cabernet Franc’s liveliness makes it an excellent food wine. A slow roasted lamb shank rubbed in rosemary would complement this wine exceptionally well.