Wine: Journey’s End V5 Cabernet Franc

Country: South Africa

Region: Western Cape

Designation: W.O. Stellenbosch

Producer: Journey’s End

Grape Varietal: Cabernet Franc

ABV: 14.0%

Type: Red

Code: 8518

Tasting Note 

This wine displays intense ripe cherry, savoury olive, and wild fynbos characters on the nose rounded up by a sweet cinnamon spice from generous oak maturation. Great balance is exhibited on the palate with coastal freshness, Mediterranean herbs and minerality, soft powdery tannins, and a lengthy finish

Producer

In 1995 the Gabb family, originally from Shropshire, UK, fell in love with a picturesque wine farm called Journey’s End and restored it to what it is today, now surrounded by 40 hectares of beautiful vineyards.

The Journey’s End vineyards are nestled amongst the Schapenberg hills, where lies 350 million year old decomposed granite soils are one of the most prestigious terroirs in South Africa. The vineyards benefit from the cooling and cleansing south-easterly wind, known locally as the ‘Cape Doctor’, which comes in from nearby False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Winemaking

Sourced from a single vineyard, the handpicked Cabernet Franc grapes are processed immediately after picking early in the morning. Fermentation is in large top casks (foudres) with gentle punching over to ensure measured tannic extraction. The wine is then pressed off the skins and undergoes malolactic fermentation followed by a 14-month barrel maturation period in second fill French oak. 

Fun Fact

Journey's End is the most southern vineyard in the Stellenbosch region overlooking the False Bay area. False Bay got its name because early sailors thought they had reached Table Bay & Cape Town, but that is further on from False Bay. Journey's End - because they thought it was where their journey ended.

Food pairing

Pairs well with rich dishes and tomato-based sauces for pasta and pizzas. Pesto and Oregano sauces also go well with the olive and green herb notes in the wine.

Awards & Accolades

4.1 Vivino

Matthew Jukes “I am a massive fan of Journey’s End and I have written their wines up in my various columns, for years.”