David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2016

Technical Analysis

Winemaker - David Finlayson
Main Variety - Cabernet Franc
Alcohol - 14.73 %vol
pH - 3.51
RS - 2.6 g/l
Total Acid - 6.3 g/l
Volatile Acidity - 0.85 g/l
SO2 - 100 mg/l
Free SO2 - 31 mg/l
Appellation - Stellenbosch

Characteristics

Type - Red
Style - Dry
Body - Full
Taste - Fragrant


Accolades

Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2015
Gold:  2018 Cabernet Franc Challenge
91 points:  James Suckling.com
90 points:  Neal Martin August 29, 2018 - Vinous

Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2014
Platter Guide 2017:  4½ Star Platter
92 points:  Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
90 points:  Tim Atkin SA report

Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2013
91+ points:  Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar
Double Gold:  Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards
Silver:  International Wine Challenge 2015
93 points:  Tim Atkin SA report


Tasting Notes

This wine is made from Cabernet Franc planted on an old seabed in the Helderberg Basin. The soils reminded me very much of the Graves region in Bordeaux, allowing me to spot the potential to make a great wine from these vineyards that are threatened by Urban encroachment.

Ageing Potential

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


Blend Information

100% Cabernet Franc

In The Vineyard

In my search for special and undiscovered sites and wines, I am proud to have found theses grapes and have followed their path into this fantastic example of what potential there truly exists for Cabernet Franc in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch when the right variety is fitted into the perfect site and terroir. A wine for maturation and enjoyment when the time is truly ripe for the reward.
Soil: Deep white pebble, seabed alluvial soils in Somerset West


About The Harvest

Harvest Date: March 2016


In The Cellar

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.


Additional Information

This wine signifies something truly special to me as a winemaker and is part of my journey in life and wine in South Africa, hence the name, Camino Africana, “The African Way”


Other Vintages

Wine Wine Maker Main Variety
David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2021 David Finlayson Cabernet Franc
David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2019 David Finlayson Cabernet Franc
David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2017 David Finlayson Cabernet Franc
David Finlayson Camino Africana Cabernet Franc 2016 David Finlayson Cabernet Franc
ARA - Industry Association for Responsible Alcohol use Not for sale to persons under the age of 18. Enjoy Responsibly.