KWV, 'The Mentors' Cabernet Franc, 2021

'One-Liner'
A polished, structured Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc with dark cherry, spice, fynbos and finely handled French oak.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass. The nose is expressive and savoury, with dark cherries, spice, pencil shavings, fynbos and a subtle graphite-like edge. On the palate it is layered and composed, combining juicy dark fruit with powdery tannins and a silky finish. The oak brings structure and polish rather than heaviness, giving the wine depth without smothering its Cabernet Franc character. A serious, food-friendly South African red with poise, freshness and quiet power.

Country: South Africa
Region: Western Cape
Sub-Region: Stellenbosch
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc
ABV: 14.5%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
n/a

The Story
The Mentors range is KWV’s home for more focused, small-production wines – bottles built around careful selection, specific sites and grape varieties that have something clear to say. For this Cabernet Franc, that message is very much Stellenbosch: ripe dark fruit, savoury structure, freshness and finely judged oak.
The 2021 vintage followed a cooler growing season, with harvest running later than the previous year. That slower ripening helped shape a wine with depth and concentration, but also the freshness Cabernet Franc needs if it is going to feel elegant rather than simply powerful.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Braised beef with rosemary and soft polenta
- Vegetarian: Spanakopita with roasted potatoes and dill
- Vegan: Black olive tapenade with roast aubergine and warm flatbread