The experts’ choice: South Africa’s top Cab Franc in 2012
THE STAND-OUT Cabernet Franc wines from South Africa, the best reviews of the year: so consistent are Raats and Warwick of Stellenbosch; from Paarl cellars, the rise of KWV’s Mentors range has been meteoric, and interesting to see Nelson back on the radar again; whereas Von Ortloff’s beauty from Franschhoek is already pretty much sold out; Oldenburg’s popularity in the Banghoek Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is growing among the cognoscenti; Constantia’s Buitenverwachting could well evolve with great interest; and can’t wait to try the 2009 Raka from Piet Dreyer’s place east of Stanford.
Buitenverwachting 2009 – highly recommended in Platter’s Guide
KWV The Mentors 2010 – double gold medal at Michelangelo Awards
Lisha Nelson 2008 – Top 100 SA Wine Challenge selection
Oldenburg 2009 – Top 100 SA Wine Challenge selection
Raats 2010 – highly recommended in Platter’s Guide
Raka 2009 – 5 Stars in Platter’s Guide
Von Ortloff Quintessence 2008 – 5 Stars in Platter’s Guide
Warwick 2009 – 5 Stars in Platter’s Guide
Lisha Nelson 2008 – Top 100 SA Wine Challenge selection
Oldenburg 2009 – Top 100 SA Wine Challenge selection
Raats 2010 – highly recommended in Platter’s Guide
Raka 2009 – 5 Stars in Platter’s Guide
Von Ortloff Quintessence 2008 – 5 Stars in Platter’s Guide
Warwick 2009 – 5 Stars in Platter’s Guide
For the prices of these wines and more Cabernet Franc recommendations, click here. For information about the various judging panels, click here.
