Joubert, Hogan & Clarke Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

The & Clarke label started with our Pinotage made by Jurgen Gouws, but is now growing to include other special single site wines made by some of the best winemakers in South Africa.

The first name refers to the farmer, the second to the winemaker, and the last is ours. We name the wines this way to be transparent about where the wine is from, who made it, and and to respect their involvement and skill. Jeannette and I did not make this wine, it’s far too good.

The Joubert, Hogan & Clarke is an uncertified Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2016 vintage.

The fruit was grown by Jozua Joubert on the increasingly celebrated Karibib Farm on the Polkadraai Hills in Stellenbosch.

The wine was made by Jocelyn Wilson, of Hogan Wines fame. In 2016 the vineyard was 14 years old, it is trellised and at an elevation of 290m. It is at the highest point of the Karibib Farm. Grapes were picked about 7 days earlier than usual due to the warm season. The berries were very small and concentrated but the maritime effect and the elevation in this vineyard definitely helped in this warm year. The fruit was hand-sorted, crushed and destemmed the following day with approximately 50% whole berries. Spontaneous fermentation took place in 1 ton open top fermenters and it was matured in a single older 225L French oak barrel until bottling on 24 November 2016.

The wine is a high-toned Cabernet Sauvignon showing typical Stellenbosch characters of cassis and herbs, wonderfully refined with violet aromas and a touch of spice from the oak. Elegant Cabernet structure and supremely delightful drinking at 4 years of age.