Hogan ‘Mirror For The Sun’ Cabernet Franc 2022
Wine of Origin: Stellenbosch
“Blue, you sit so pretty west of the one
Sparkle light with yellow icing, just a mirror for the sun”
— Road Trippin’, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Sourced from a vineyard in the lower Helderberg on granitic soils. The vineyard is 2km from the coast. The maritime effect is most favourable, especially in the hot February-March months in Stellenbosch. Leaf removal in the bunch zone (during November/December) is an important practice in this vineyard to let enough sun in to prevent vegetal flavours.
The grapes were picked in early March. They were sorted and crushed (no whole bunch). Spontaneous fermentation took place in open top fermenters with very soft handling during fermentation, only two punch downs per day. The wine was matured in 225L older French oak barrels, and was only racked once, in June after malolactic fermentation. The wine was bottled in December 2022.
Christian Eedes, Winemag:
“Gorgeous aromatics of red and black berries, lifted and rather pretty herbal notes, Ceylon tea and rose. The palate shows clean fruit, bright acidity and super-fine tannins. Lovely delineation and energy, the finish emphatically dry but not too austere. Poised and full of charm, Hogan’s best rendition yet of this variety. 95/100”
