South Africa’s most decorated Cab Franc of late: Rietvallei’s JMB 2019
TOP WINE from the Rietvallei estate in Robertson, the JMB Cabernet Franc is on a roll, so to speak. A few years ago, the 2016 was a National Winner at the SA Terroir Wine Awards and chosen as one of the Top 6 at the Cab Franc Challenge. Amazing that it’s still available at the cellar door. In 2023, the 2019 vintage was applauded even more loudly: Best in Class at the National Wine Challenge as well as at the Terroir Awards. And it didn’t end there: no sooner had 2024 got under way and the 2019 was one of a select group of outstanding wines judged to be worthy of the ultimate accolade at the Global Cabernet Franc Masters in the UK. Incredible that it’s not yet sold out!
RIETVALLEI JMB CABERNET FRANC 2019
WO Robertson. Single vineyard planted in 2003. Grapes harvested at optimal ripeness, 25° Balling (Brix). Natural fermentation (wild yeast) at 25° to 28° C with pump-overs every few hours, after which the wine was left on the grape skins for five days before racking and pressing. Malolactic fermentation in new 300L French oak barrels, where it was matured for 27 months.
Alc 13.8 | RS 2.1 | TA 6.4 | pH 3.4
Winemaker Kobus Burger’s Tasting Notes: Deep ruby red, almost black in colour. An expressive nose with aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, pencil shavings and toasted oak. The palate is full-bodied and intense with sumptuous tannins. Well-rounded, with the structure and fruit to mature very well.
Pairing Suggestions: Rare roast beef. Lamb. Game bird.
R405pb ex-cellar.
