In the News
Thanks to its proximity to the ocean and the cooler south-facing slopes that dominate the farm, Waterkloof is blessed with an unusually long growing season and avoids the excessive heat spikes which often afflict much of The Western Cape’s winelands. So, when Paul Boutinot took over the property in 2004, it was clear to him that Cabernet Franc would thrive in such a climate, especially if planted in those areas with well-suited, granite soils.
With the first vintage (2013) released internationally, Paul’s intuition already appears vindicated, with great reviews on both sides of The Atlantic from both respected UK publication jancisrobinson.com and America’s influential Wine Spectator:
“This delivers a rock-solid core of bitter black cherry, dark plum and blackcurrant fruit flavors, inlaid liberally with tobacco leaf and dried sage notes, ending with an alder accent on the finish. Textbook varietal character, in a slightly muscular package. Drink now through 2018. 400 cases made. 90 POINTS” WINE SPECTATOR
“Cabernet Franc’s classic aromas but subtly so – on the herbaceous side but not excessively, certainly not green. Full of energy and a deliciously dry, fine-boned texture. Super-elegant and cool. Almost weightless but still long. 17/20 ” JANCISROBINSON.COM