Few things have excited us as much as getting our hands on Jocelyn Hogan Wilson’s ‘Mirror for the Sun’ Cabernet Franc. We’ve found Cabernet Franc to be such a wonderfully terroir specific varietal in the Cape and we can’t get enough of it. The grapes for this Loire-inspired Cabernet Franc are sourced from 13-year-old, trellised vines from the lower Helderberg region. Maturation took place in older oak 225L barrels for 8 months. At 2km from the coast, the maritime effects are incredibly favourable, especially in the hot February-March months in Stellenbosch. For anyone interested in the learning the inspiration for this wine’s name, you’ll just have to listen to Road Trippin’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers! Drink now through 2030. 13.5% Alcohol.

Nose & Palate

A delicate nose with notes of red and black berries, mint, cut grass, and fresh herbs. The fruit juiciness is contrasted with leafy, spicy intensity and freshness of cherry on the palate. The super fine tannins and light body make for an incredibly approachable wine.

Pairing

With high acidity and medium tannins, Cabernet Franc pairs particularly well with cheese (think goat’s cheese, feta, and brie). You also can’t go wrong with a slow-roasted leg of lamb with fresh rosemary and garlic to match the fresh herbal notes in the wine.

Accolades

96 points - Tim Atkin 2023 SA Wine Report
95 points - Christian Eedes from winemag.co.za June 2023 (“best rendition yet”)