South Africa — wine

Franschhoek Valley WO

The 'French Corner' of the Cape Winelands, settled by French Huguenot refugees in 1688, Franschhoek is a narrow valley of mountain-framed vineyards producing Cape's most celebrated Chenin Blanc, Semillon, and Chardonnay. The valley's orientation and mountain cooling create elegant, complex whites.

Year Rating Notes
2024 Mountain cooling preserved freshness; Semillon and Syrah both showing precision.
2023 Outstanding Franschhoek vintage; Boekenhoutskloof Semillon will be exceptional.
2022 Good conditions; old-vine Semillon showing unusual depth and complexity.
2021 Near-perfect vintage; Syrah showing northern Rhône-like elegance.
2020 Strong conditions; Franschhoek valley wines showing fine mountain character.
2019 Classic growing season; Semillon ageing with distinction.
2018 Outstanding vintage; Boekenhoutskloof wines will age for decades.