Rainbow’s End, Limited Release Estate Cabernet Franc 2016, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Tasting Note: One of the wonderful things about cabernet franc is its many expressions.

In South Africa cabernet franc tends to be produced in a rich, plush, fruity style of which this bottle from Rainbow’s End is an elegant example.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, red currant, blackberry, black olive, hibiscus, boysenberry and leather.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied cabernet franc, has medium-plus-intensity, red-and-black flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin ultimately completing with a long finish.

Ripe fruit percolates along the midpalate adding welcome complexity.

A confident cabernet franc with depth.

Bottle Note: This small wine estate, on the high-lying slopes of the Jonkershoek Mountain, overlooks the scenic Banghoek Valley in the Stellenbosch region. Its unique terroir favors the production of top-quality red wines. It is endowed with deep, red oakleaf soils, its height varies between 350m and 540m above sea level and the variation of topography will all contribute to the distinctiveness of its product. Jacques Malan and sons Anton and Francois form a dedicated family team striving to complement nature’s potential with a combination of traditional and new world winemaking techniques and the latest advances in viticulture. Grape bunch selection, picking at dawn, sorting and plunging in open fermenters are all operations done by hand, as well as light basket pressing. During the processing the wine is aged in small French oak barrels. Thereafter bottled without filtering or fining. Their achievement is a complex and balanced estate in wine in a style of their own. This vintage does full justice to the special characteristics of the grape variety and can be enjoyed now. Anticipated to reach its optimum in 2-5 years.