Hermanuspietersfontein 1855, Swartskaap 2009, Sondagskloof, South Africa

Tasting Note: Picture yourself in the Loire, drink this wine, and remind yourself you’re actually tasting South Africa terroir and experiencing a cabernet franc that shows it can compete on the international cabernet-franc stage.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of black plum, graphite, pencil shavings and violet with some earthy elements paired with blossom.

On the palate the dry, medium-bodied cabernet franc delivers flavors suggested on the nose.

The fruit is Loire-like in restraint with ripe, medium tannin that’s supple bordering on creamy in structure.

The wine has a medium finish with midpalate complexity and depth of flavor.

An impressive cabernet franc from South Africa.

This 2009 cabernet franc should sampled by new world, cabernet franc producers seeking to make wines with ageability.

You’d swear you were in the Loire minus the green, vegetable notes.

It doesn’t get much better than this.