ANTHONIJ RUPERT CABERNET FRANC 2021

A subtle floral perfume and chamomile aroma adds depth to the nose of stone fruit with a shy, green foliage nuance as well. A confident and structured palate which immediately displays ripe, creamy flavour yet is also fresh, bright and lively. Oodles of nectarine and dried apricot with a riper mango nuance lending a tropicality to the flavour array. The rounded, creamy breadth shows lees character that adds both persistence and interest. Well-formed and elegant with a lovely succulent tang all the way to the finish, it will reward patience.

The colour could be described as a suggestion of a pink blush or pale coral. The appeal continues with its ruby grapefruit and raspberry bouquet. That same ruby grapefruit succulence and zesty tang can be found on the palate. It’s bright and immediately engaging. A soft floral edge then develops which adds to the texture and mouthfeel of the wine. Lovely rounded body and harmony of fruit and acidity. Lovely citrus zest and peppery edge on the long but dry finish.

Appealing aromas of cherry and raspberry fruit with a trace of bonfire and floral perfume. A wine that whispers seductively rather than shouts. The red fruits promised by the nose are delivered on the palate: maraschino cherry, ripe raspberry and rich fruitcake – all sprinkled with bold spice. A light peppery nuance can be found too, lending the mouthful a vibrance and appealing energy. The buoyant fruit is countered by a deeper, loamy, forest floor element that demonstrates the balance of opposites. The cohesion of light and dark, delicacy and elegance with sinewy power lends agility and wonderful texture and tension of opposites. The oak is so well-knit it’s almost unobtrusive, lending structure and texture. Overall, a complex, rewarding and deliciously persistent mouthful.

Lemon and grapefruit zest aromas with a dusty flint edge. Those same flavours immediately announce themselves on the palate, bright, tangy and vivacious. The interplay of fruit and zingy acid is beautifully harmonious and well judged. Underpinning it all is a structured, subtle lees depth which lends both body and length to the succulent mouthful.