Mirror For The Sun Cabernet Franc 2025 - Single

Hogan Mirror For The Sun Cabernet Franc 2025 is Jocelyn Hogan Wilsons beautifully perfumed, restrained expression of Cabernet Franc from the lower Helderberg in Stellenbosch. The fruit comes from a 15-year-old trellised vineyard planted on granitic soils, just 2km from the coast. That proximity to the ocean is particularly important during Stellenboschs hot February and March months, helping preserve the freshness that has become one of the signatures of this wine.

The vineyard is carefully managed to avoid Cabernet Franc becoming excessively green. Leaf removal around the bunch zone allows additional sunlight onto the grapes, helping them ripen properly while retaining the herbal character that makes the variety so distinctive. In the cellar, Jocelyn keeps things deliberately gentle.

The grapes are sorted, crushed and fermented without whole bunches, using spontaneous fermentation in open-top fermenters. Extraction is minimal, just two punch-downs per day,before the wine spends nine months in older 225L French oak barrels. It's Cabernet Franc about perfume, freshness and drinkability rather than sheer power.

Tasting Notes Colour: Bright ruby red with excellent clarity. Nose: Wonderfully aromatic, opening with red cherry and raspberry, followed by rose petals, garden herbs and a lovely crack of white pepper. It's floral and savoury without becoming excessively leafy or green. Palate: Juicy, pure red fruit with excellent ripeness, balanced by bright acidity and soft, finely textured tannins.

There's enough concentration to give the wine presence, but the overall impression remains elegant and energetic rather than heavy. Finish: Fresh, savoury and persistent, with lingering red berries, herbs and subtle spice. Awards & Accolades 95 Points Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report 2026 94 Points Christian Eedes Technical Details Producer: Hogan WinesWinemaker: Jocelyn Hogan WilsonVintage: 2025Origin: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South AfricaSub-region: Lower HelderbergGrape Variety: 100% Cabernet FrancVine Age: Approximately 15 yearsVine Training: TrellisedSoils: GraniticDistance from Coast: Approximately 2kmWhole Bunch: NoneFermentation: Spontaneous / indigenous yeastFermentation Vessel: Open-top fermentersExtraction: Gentle, approximately two punch-downs dailyMaturation: 9 monthsOak: Older 225L French oak barrelsABV: 14%Bottle Size: 750ml