Uva Mira recently announced the exclusive maiden release of the Fox’s Lair red – a Cabernet Franc led Cape Bordeaux Blend that seems destined to become one of the Cape’s modern classics.
“At dawn’s first light on the Helderberg mountain vineyard slopes, fleeting glimpses of the elusive Cape fox—Vulpes chama, Africa’s only true fox—are sighted within the wild pockets of Cape fynbos. With its silver-grey coat and black-tipped ears, this agile creature became the inspiration for the name Fox’s Lair.” ~ Christian Coetzee, Winemaker at Uva Mira
The wine is also a testament to Uva Mira’s enduring commitment to conservation and sustainable farming in harmony with nature. Cabernet Franc, celebrated for its aromatic finesse and structural poise, thrives in the cool, high-altitude vineyards of Uva Mira at elevations of between 350m and 500m above sea level.
“The Fox’s Lair cuvee brings together Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in an impressively composed wine that shows floral lift, fine tannins, and a notable mineral precision” according to Christian Coetzee.
Uva Mira The Fox’s Lair 2022 Bordeaux Blend, WO Stellenbosch, 14% Abv.
The maiden release of the Fox’s Lair is a delightful wine that winemaker Christian Coetzee described as a “baby OTV” when I tasted this new release with him for the first time. The blend is Cabernet Franc led with a 52% portion that’s supported by 48% of Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in 35% new French oak barrels for 18 months. The 2022 is deliciously opulent, offering up attractive perfumed aromatics of red cherry pastille, raspberries, blueberry rock candy, black licorice, pencil shavings and flower petals, followed by a medium to full-bodied, mouth-wateringly supple, velvety palate that’s vibrant and intense, revealing yet more layers of blue and black berry fruit concentration that is framed by seamlessly integrated oaking, a vibrant acidity and silky mineral tannins. Texturally accessible and immediately generous, this new Cape Bordeaux blend over delivers. A really very, very delicious wine. Drink now to 2035+.
(Wine Safari Score: 96/100 Greg Sherwood MW)
The Uva Mira wines are imported into the UK by Museum Wines and the RSP for the Fox’s Lair is £38.99pb.