The Wines of Loire
Timed Online Auction, 1 - 8 May 2023
Session 1
About the SessionThe Loire Valley is a large region that follows the longest river of France. The Loire is an exceptional place to find lean, racy, white wines, including those of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet. Red varieties include Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Cot (Malbec), which produces herbaceous, rustic reds.
About this Item
Gabriëlskloof was established in 2001 when Bernhard Heyn discovered the Avontuur farm, located on the outskirts of Botrivier. He purchased the land and created Gabriëlskloof as we know it today. On the farm, they are passionate about incorporating environmentally friendly practices, where possible, and Gabriëlskloof is a WWF Conservation Champion farm. Cellar Master, Peter-Allan Finlayson, has been at Gabriëlskloof since 2014 and has reshaped the Gabriëlskloof aesthetic. Their wines aim to reflect the complexity, richness and diversity of Gabriëlskloof's unique terroir.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
‘For the second year running, this remarkable Cabernet Franc has triumphed in my tastings. There’s no sign of the greater heat of the vintage here, just freshness, poise, silky tannins, black cherry and graphite notes and beautifully handled oak. A thrilling Cabernet Franc of great precision and palate length. 2019-26’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 95/100
‘ It has a superb nose, really getting both hands on the grape variety, with bell pepper and nettle notes infusing the black fruit. This is very potent but not overbearing. The palate is medium-bodied with chunky black and red berry fruit and fine acidity, and quite harmonious in style, culminating in a caressing, silky-smooth finish. Beyond Raats, this might be the best Cape Cabernet Franc I’ve come across.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 92/100 (Aug 2018)