Boplaas Cabernet Sauvignon 2024

Boplaas Family Vineyards is a historic, sixth-generation family estate in Calitzdorp in the Klein Karoo, with the Nel family making wine and spirits on the property since 1880. While Boplaas is particularly celebrated for its Portuguese grape varieties, the estate also works with classic international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon. The Klein Karoo's warm, dry climate and dramatic mountain surroundings create challenging conditions that naturally favour low yields and concentrated fruit. The Boplaas Cabernet Sauvignon is made by the Nel family team, with sixth-generation winemaker Margaux Nel at the helm. The wine comes from older, low-yielding Cabernet Sauvignon vines, including blocks planted between 1989 and 1994. Grapes are hand-harvested in the cool of the morning and fermented in temperature-controlled open-top cement fermenters, or kuipe. Manual punch-downs encourage gentle extraction while preserving the fruit's aromatics. The wine is then matured for around 10 months in a combination of older French oak barrels and oak alternatives, adding subtle spice and texture rather than imposing a heavily wooded style.

Colour: Deep ruby red with youthful garnet-purple highlights.
Nose: Red and blackcurrant aromas lead the way, followed by tart raspberry and subtle dark berry fruit. Hints of fynbos, dried herbs, gentle spice and sweet vanilla add a distinctly savoury Cape character.
Palate: Medium-bodied and approachable, with juicy red and black fruit supported by fresh acidity and moderate tannins. The fruit has good concentration without becoming heavy, while subtle oak brings hints of spice and vanilla. A savoury herbal note adds complexity and gives the Cabernet a distinctly South African personality.
Finish: Clean and moderately long, with lingering blackcurrant, raspberry, dried herbs and gentle spice.