THIRD TIME LUCKY? Chamonix of Franschhoek had earned gold medals at previous editions of the Cab Franc Challenge with their 2015 and 2016 vintages in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Then, come 2022, they won the overall title with their 2020 vintage. But the Challenge judges haven't been the only ones in the know giving this wine the thumbs up – the 2013 vintage rated 5 Stars in the 2016 edition of Platter's SA Wine Guide and the 2018 vintage was Highly Recommended in 2020. Luck has had little to do with Chamonix's good track record, built on solid reputations in terms of both red and white.
CHAMONIX CABERNET FRANC RES 2020
WO Franschhoek. 27-year-old vines. Grapes handpicked and underwent berry-selection on sorting tables. Whole berries fermented in stainless steel and concrete tanks for two to three weeks before pressing and malolactic fermentation. Wine matured in 228L French oak barrels (25% new) for 18 months. 8470 bottles.
Alc 14.5 | RS 1.6 | TA 5.8 | pH 3.6
Winemaker Neil Bruwer's Tasting Notes: “Intense bouquet with scents reminiscent of dark fruit, red berries, spice and cigar box… Fills the mouth with concentrated fruit and berry sensations.”
Tasting Notes by Carrie Adams, panel chair at the 2022 Cab Franc Challenge: “The perfect framework of great Cab Franc with graphite and beautifully ripe, raspberry fruit on nose and palate.”
R252pb ex-cellar.
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I have always thought that the Chamonix Cab Franc was the best CF in the land!