THE FOUNDRY Geographica Thoreau Cabernet Franc 2021

From a mature Cabernet Franc vineyard planted on the western slopes of the Klapmuts mountain on decomposed granite and laterite. The vines are trellised to allow maximum light and air penetration to ensure complete phenolic development of the grape tannins and the dark fruited Cabernet Franc flavours.The grapes were sourced from a single vineyard of Syrah situated only 6 km from False Bay on the chilly Atlantic Ocean. The vineyards are planted on low vigour, well drained, granitic origin soils. The vines are managed to retain a healthy balance between grape production and growth and the crop was reduced to 5.5 tons per hectare. The mature vines are naturally low yielding and all damaged or unripe grapes were removed before harvest. The fruit was uniformly ripe and was picked on the basis of analysis, taste and vine physiology.

Handpicked and chilled overnight, 20% whole bunch and 80% crushed. First 40% of ferment un-innoculated, then neutral yeast inoculation at 12 balling. Pigeage and occasional remontage.The still fermenting wine was then transferred to seasoned 300 litre oak barrels and terracotta doliums to complete fermentation and MLF. 80% wine was then allowed 16 months of elevage in French oak with 20% remaining in terracotta egg and dolium.The grapes were partially de-stemmed and partially crushed directly into custommade 5 ton stainless steel fermenters. Approximately 30% of the bunches remained whole. The first half of fermentation was allowed to proceed naturally, while the second part was completed by a neutral Rhone yeast. The cap was manually punched down twice a day at the beginning of fermentation and then pumped over for the remaining 3 days. At the end of fermentation the wine was pressed and the wine run directly to barrels. The press wine was kept separate. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation in oak. 300 l “hogsheads” were used and 7% of the barrels were new, the remainder were second fill. All the barrels were tight grained French Allier Oak. The wine received one racking during the first year of elevage. The best barrels were selected bottled after 15 months in oak, with no filtration and consequently might throw a harmless deposit in the bottle.

Intense youthful purple robe with gradation to vivacious ruby rim.The nose has lifted floral perfumed dark fruit, incense, exotic spice and a herbal, garigue aroma. Still brooding and closed, the nose promises extensive maturation potential.On the palate the wine is lively and energetic with plum, berry and blackcurrant flavours bolstered by a very fine linear tannic structure, crystalline acidity and a crushed mineral coating.The palate is textured and long, lacy and intricate with an elegant and restrained power.The Foundry Syrah 2016 is deep, opaque bright purple-ruby in colour. The enticingly perfumed bouquet is exotic with hints of wild herbs, violets, plum fruit and has a pronounced savoury and spicy white pepper character. The palate is intense and rich with generous ripe fruit and structured, silky tannins. There is a delicious, lingering, fruit and spice aftertaste.