Glenelly, Glass Collection Cabernet Franc, 2019
Glenelly, Glass Collection Cabernet Franc, 2019
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 14.5%
- Cabernet Franc
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Glenelly Estate, Glass Collection Cabernet Franc 2019 is a poised, quietly confident take on the variety from Stellenbosch. Sourced from estate vineyards on the cooler slopes of the Simonsberg, it reflects Glenelly’s Bordeaux‑leaning outlook and their preference for freshness over sheer weight.
In the glass, it shows aromas of red cherry, raspberry, and plum, layered with subtle notes of graphite, herbs, and gentle spice. The palate is medium‑bodied and finely balanced, with bright acidity, supple tannins, and a savoury edge that keeps everything in check. Oak is well judged, adding nuance rather than dominance, and the finish is clean and persistent.
It's currently showing primary dark fruit character with emerging secondary complexity from green tobacco and cedar elements. Over the next 2-3 years, the tannins will continue to soften whilst the herbal and mineral components become more integrated with the fruit. The wine should reach its optimal drinking window around 2028-2030, when primary and secondary flavours achieve perfect balance. Beyond 2033, expect gradual decline as fruit intensity diminishes, though the wine's structure suggests it will remain pleasant until 2035.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with purple highlights, showing good concentration and youth.
NoseBlackcurrant and dark plum dominate initially, followed by distinctive green bell pepper and tobacco leaf characteristic of Cabernet Franc. Cedar and dark chocolate add depth, whilst a touch of graphite mineral provides complexity. The aromatics are lifted and fresh despite the wine's richness.
PalateMedium-bodied with supple tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the fruit. Dark berry flavours are complemented by savoury elements of dried herbs and green tobacco. The texture is silky yet substantial, with good acidity maintaining freshness throughout. Spice and chocolate elements build on the mid-palate.
FinishLong and satisfying with lingering dark fruit, tobacco, and a touch of cedar.
Overall impressionA well-crafted Cabernet Franc that balances ripe South African fruit with classic varietal character.
Food Pairings
In Stellenbosch and the broader Western Cape, this style of Cabernet Franc pairs beautifully with local specialities such as kudu carpaccio or springbok loin, where the wine's herbal character complements the gamey meat. Traditional braai culture sees similar wines enjoyed with boerewors and sosaties, the wine's structure standing up to the char and spice. Cape Malay cuisine, with its aromatic spice blends in dishes like lamb curry or bobotie, finds harmony with Cabernet Franc's green pepper and tobacco character. Local cheeses such as Klein River Gruyère-style hard cheeses are classic pairings in the region.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to allow the wine's aromatics to fully express themselves whilst maintaining structural integrity. Decant for 30-45 minutes to soften the tannins and integrate the flavours, though this wine is approachable without decanting. Use Bordeaux-style glasses with a generous bowl to concentrate the aromatics and allow proper aeration. This wine benefits from being opened an hour before serving if not decanted.
The Glenelly vineyards sit on the lower slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, at elevations between 200-400 metres. The decomposed granite soils provide excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for the vines during South Africa's dry summers. Cool south-easterly winds from False Bay moderate the warm continental climate, preserving natural acidity in the grapes. These conditions particularly favour Cabernet Franc, allowing it to develop its characteristic herbal complexity whilst maintaining elegant structure.
Stellenbosch is South Africa's most prestigious wine region, renowned for its red wine production and particularly Cabernet-based blends. The appellation covers diverse terroirs from mountain slopes to valley floors, with strict regulations governing grape varieties and winemaking practices. Stellenbosch's Mediterranean climate and varied soils produce wines with greater structure and ageing potential than most other South African regions. The area's reputation for premium reds has made it the benchmark for South African fine wine.
The 2019 growing season in Stellenbosch proved challenging yet ultimately rewarding for producers who managed their vineyards with care. A particularly dry summer tested vine resilience, with water stress becoming a significant concern by February. However, the lack of rainfall also meant disease pressure remained minimal, allowing healthy fruit development where irrigation was available. Harvest timing became crucial as producers balanced concentration with freshness, with many opting for earlier picking windows to preserve acidity levels that might otherwise have been compromised by the intense conditions.
The vintage produced wines of notable concentration and structure, particularly benefiting Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which thrived despite the dry conditions. These red varieties show excellent colour saturation and firm tannin structure, though yields were naturally reduced. Chenin Blanc performed admirably, displaying the variety's renowned drought tolerance whilst maintaining its characteristic bright acidity. The 2019s are drinking well now but possess the backbone for medium to long-term cellaring, with the reds likely to reward patience over the next 8-12 years as their initially firm tannins integrate further.
FAQs
What makes Glenelly's Cabernet Franc distinctive?
Glenelly combines Bordeaux winemaking expertise with Stellenbosch terroir, creating Cabernet Franc that shows classic varietal character alongside ripe South African fruit. The granite soils and mountain location provide ideal conditions for this variety.
How does this compare to Loire Valley Cabernet Franc?
This South African expression offers more concentrated fruit and body than typical Loire Cabernet Franc, whilst maintaining the variety's characteristic green pepper and tobacco character. The warmer climate produces riper tannins and more approachable structure.
What food pairings work best with this wine?
The wine's medium body and herbal character make it excellent with grilled lamb, roasted game, or herb-crusted beef. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom dishes and mature hard cheeses.
Is this wine ready to drink now or should it be cellared?
The 2019 is drinking well now but will improve with 2-3 years additional cellaring. The tannins will soften further and the complex aromatics will integrate more fully by 2028-2030.
What serving temperature is ideal?
Serve at 16-18°C in Bordeaux-style glasses. Decanting for 30-45 minutes helps integrate the flavours, though the wine is approachable without decanting.
How long will this wine age?
This Cabernet Franc will drink well until 2035, with peak drinking between 2028-2033. The wine's good acidity and tannin structure provide solid ageing potential for a South African red.
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