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
Situated in the foothills of Stellenbosch's iconic Simonsberg Mountain and with a history dating back to 1771, Warwick Wine Estate was purchased in 1902 by a Commanding Officer of the Warwickshire regiment. He renamed the farm Warwick as a tribute to his regime. Warwick's terroir offers the perfect confluence of elements to grow grapes of consistently outstanding quality. In the cellar, careful vinification yields fine wines with true varietal character and an honest expression of their origin. Warwick deeply cherishes what nature has provided and is committed to protecting and nurturing the land for generations to come. They dedicate time and passion to ensuring quality in every facet of their craft.
The lot consists of 2 bottles of each 2013, 2014 & 2015 Warwick Cabernet Franc.
Provenance
Producer
Critics Ratings
2013:
'Two clones and two blocks supply the fruit for this well-established Cabernet Franc, made for the first time as a varietal in 1988. It’s a wonderfully aromatic, leafy expression of the variety that’s deftly oaked, textured and refreshing. The tannins are particularly fine this year. Drink: 2016-22’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2016, 93/100
2014:
‘Always among the best examples of this increasingly trendy variety in the Cape, Warwick’s Cabernet Franc is especially good in 2014, shimmering with notes of violet and green herbs underpinned by refined tannins and a core of plum and damson fruit. 2018-25. - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2017, 95/100
‘It has a ripe, but not overblown bouquet with scents of clove and bay leaf infusing the red fruit, just a hint of wild fennel present and becoming more conspicuous as it opens. The palate is medium-bodied with a coolness on the entry, a leaner Cabernet Franc than other vintages, but still nicely balanced with cracked black pepper and sage towards the focused, grippy finish. There is a pleasing, long aftertaste here and plenty of varietal typicity.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 90/100 (Apr 2017)
2015:
‘Smoky, dark-chocolate aromas. Only a little herby note. High acid to clean the finish. Almost austere. Perfumed violet aromas linger on the length.’ – Richard Hemming MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Sep 2018)
‘Cabernet Franc is increasingly a focus at Warwick, and rightly so. This single vineyard expression, part of which goes to the Trilogy blend, is scented, leafy and textured with a hint of graphite and stylish oak integration. 2018-25.’ - Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2018, 94/100‘
'..The fresh bouquet is ,ore Bordeaux-inspired than Loire, featuring blackberry, cedar, freshly picked mint, and a hint of crushed violet that develops with time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a fine line of acidity, and touches of bell pepper infusing the grainy, nicely structured finish. This is a fine varietal that shows what can be done with Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc.’ – Neal Martin, Vinous, 91/100 (Aug 2018)
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