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Blackwater

2021

‘Sophie’

Cabernet Franc - Cinsaut   |   Western Cape - South Africa
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

‘Sophie’ is a new addition to the stable. She is named after Francois’ daughter born in 2020, joining her older brother ‘Daniel’ in the family lineup. ‘Sophie’ is a reinvention on a Cape classic which traditionally involved Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsaut; Francois’ preference for Cabernet Franc as a more vivid and brighter wine led to this blend. The Cabernet Franc hails from southern Stellenbosch, receiving those very helpful False Bay breezes. The Cinsaut comes from Darling, which is a district almost entirely surrounded by the Swartland, a bit west of Malmesbury. It’s a much warmer and drier climate here, bringing deep, ripe red fruit flavors to the blend. The 2021 edition sees a greater portion of Cinsaut, contrary to the previous vintage, though the region of both grapes remain the same.

The grapes were both hand harvested. The Cabernet Franc was entirely destemmed, while 80% of the Cinsaut batches were fermented whole-cluster. Both were fermented in one-ton open-top tubs. After 3-4 weeks on the skins, the batches were pressed to two 30% new 300L and 500L French oak barrels for 15 months of maturation. It was bottled with just a hit of sulfur. No fining or filtering.

Stats

  • Grapes: 61% Cinsaut - 39% Cabernet Franc
  • Vineyard: Darling (Cinsaut) - Helderberg, Stellenbosch (Cabernet Franc) -
  • Vine Age: 45-years-old (Cinsaut) - 15-years-old (Cabernet Franc)
  • Soil Type: Various - mostly granite, shale and sandstone-based soils
  • Viticulture: Practicing organic
  • Fermentation: Native – one-ton open-top tubs (80% whole-cluster Cinsaut - 100% de-stemmed Cabernet Franc)
  • Skin Contact: 3-4 weeks
  • Aging: 15 months in 30% new 300L and 500L French oak
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • pH: 3.66
  • Total Acidity: 5.7 g/L
  • Total SO2: 110 ppm
  • Total Production: 150 cases
  • UPC: 6009879826296

Tasting Notes

Raspberry, black currant, and crushed gravel on the nose, which opens slowly to reveal a thread of florals. The palate is brooding, yet opens beautifully to reveal violet, sage, and boysenberry. There is greater berry vibrancy this year thanks to a larger portion of Cinsaut. Black tea-like tannins lead to a grippy texture, and lead to a persistent, intense finish.

Press & Reviews

Platter's Guide

95

"Darling cinsaut (30%) brings berry vibrancy to intense, brooding Stellenbosch cab franc with its dry grip. 2021 textured, persistent & serious. New oak restricted to 30% for 18 months."

- Fiona McDonald

Tim Atkin, MW

91

"Francois Haasbroek partners Cabernet Franc from a cool site on the Helderberg with 30% Cinsault from Darling to produce this floral, 50% new barrel-aged cuvée. Smoky and toasty, it has notes of graphite, bramble, black cherry and blood orange and a firm, age-worthy finish. 2025-30"

- Tim Atkin, MW
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Producer


Blackwater

Region


Western Cape

Country


South Africa

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