David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2021

Depth, structure, bold fruit and suave, juicy tannins – all bolstered with classy wood regimen – make for unmistakable quality.

Bottled with minimal filtration and no fining to maintain the wine’s fine structure. This is as non-interventionist as he could manage. The fruit is pure and very expressive, and challenges the notion that this grape should be used for blending.

A wine for maturation and enjoyment when the time is truly ripe for the reward.  

With all the hype for resurrected old vine projects and natural wines, David’s “Camino Africana” project seeks to kill 2 birds with one stone. This is the oldest Cab Franc vineyard in Stellenbosch – planted in 1985. The vineyard is in fairly poor condition and its upkeep and rejuvenation is constant and ongoing.

The 5 tons Cab Franc grapes were carefully sorted and crushed whole berry into a 5 ton fermenter. After 3 days cold soak and allowing spontaneous fermentation to take place, pumpovers occurred 3 times per day for 14 days. 10 days post ferment maceration was followed by a soft press and further 24 months maturation in 30% New and 70% Second Fill 300 litre Allier Hogshead barrels. Bottled with minimal filtration and no fining to maintain the wines fine structure.