Description
Made in exceptionally small quantities, Delheim Iconoclast Cabernet Franc 2022 is a rare single-varietal release drawn from the oldest Cabernet Franc vineyard on the Delheim estate. Only three barrels are produced, giving this wine a very different place in the Delheim portfolio from the estate's more widely available bottlings.
Deeply colored and classically Cabernet Franc in character, the wine brings together dark cherry, cassis and blueberry with layers of dried herbs, spice, tobacco and subtle floral perfume. The palate is concentrated and structured, with dark berry fruit framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and savory spice. There is richness here, but also the herbal lift and freshness that make Cabernet Franc so distinctive.
This is a serious, cellar-worthy Stellenbosch red that will reward time in the glass. Pair it with roast lamb, grilled ribeye, beef short ribs, venison, mushroom dishes or mature hard cheeses.
Deeply colored and classically Cabernet Franc in character, the wine brings together dark cherry, cassis and blueberry with layers of dried herbs, spice, tobacco and subtle floral perfume. The palate is concentrated and structured, with dark berry fruit framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and savory spice. There is richness here, but also the herbal lift and freshness that make Cabernet Franc so distinctive.
This is a serious, cellar-worthy Stellenbosch red that will reward time in the glass. Pair it with roast lamb, grilled ribeye, beef short ribs, venison, mushroom dishes or mature hard cheeses.
The fruit for Iconoclast is hand-picked from Delheim's oldest Cabernet Franc vineyard, with only a tiny parcel selected for this limited release. The resulting wine is produced on an appropriately small scale, with just three barrels made.
The winemaking is geared toward preserving Cabernet Franc's dark fruit, perfume and distinctive herbal character while building sufficient structure for bottle aging. Oak maturation adds spice and texture without obscuring the character of the vineyard.
Winemaker: Nongcebo Langa
The winemaking is geared toward preserving Cabernet Franc's dark fruit, perfume and distinctive herbal character while building sufficient structure for bottle aging. Oak maturation adds spice and texture without obscuring the character of the vineyard.
Winemaker: Nongcebo Langa
Set high on the slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch, Delheim is one of the region's historic family-owned estates. Its story is closely tied to Michael “Spatz” Sperling, one of the influential personalities of modern South African wine, whose independent spirit helped shape both Delheim and the wider Stellenbosch wine community.
The name Iconoclast is particularly appropriate. Delheim created the range as a tribute to Spatz and his willingness to challenge convention — the word itself describes someone who questions established beliefs and traditions. Today, the Iconoclast wines sit among Delheim's limited releases, allowing the cellar to explore distinctive vineyards and small-production winemaking outside its core ranges.
The Cabernet Franc is among the rarest of these wines: sourced from the estate's oldest block and produced in just three barrels.
The name Iconoclast is particularly appropriate. Delheim created the range as a tribute to Spatz and his willingness to challenge convention — the word itself describes someone who questions established beliefs and traditions. Today, the Iconoclast wines sit among Delheim's limited releases, allowing the cellar to explore distinctive vineyards and small-production winemaking outside its core ranges.
The Cabernet Franc is among the rarest of these wines: sourced from the estate's oldest block and produced in just three barrels.
* Prior vintage described.
