Hogan Divergent 2019
Wine of Origin: Coastal Region
Originally inspired by the old great South African Cabernet Sauvignon/Cinsaut blends of yesteryear; and then diverted into including Carignan by a tasting with the late, great Serge Hochar of Chateau Musar. This 2019 vintage was awarded 5 Stars in 2022 Platter’s Guide. Jocelyn holds this wine back by a year (compared with her others) as the tannins need extra time in bottle to harmonise.
Technical analysis
pH: 3.45
TA: 5.8 g/l
RS: 1.7 g/l
Alc: 13.0%
The Divergent blend comprises of 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Cinsaut and 32% Carignan. The Carignan was picked first towards the end of January from 16 year old, unirrigated bush vines from Wellington. The Cinsaut, from the Helderberg region, was then picked in mid – February. These are 44-year old, unirrigated bush vines. Lastly, the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked early-March from 20-year old trellised and irrigated vines at 295m alititude on from the Stellenbosch region (Polkadraai)
All components were crushed and destemmed (except for the Cinsaut which was 30% whole bunch) and naturally fermented. After fermentation the different varietals were pressed and kept separate in 225L barrels. In June the barrels were first racked and the Divergent blend was made up in August after which the wine spent a further 4 months in barrel until bottling early January 2020.
Awards/Ratings
Tim Atkin South Africa 2020 Special report: September 2020: 91/100
Platter’s Guide 2022: 95 points (5 stars)
