Arguably one of SA’s rarest wines, The Journeyman is the pinnacle of Marc Kent’s winemaking vision and one of SA’s true cult wines. Made only in exceptional vintages, the 2015 was the first commercial release and sold out in a flash. Like the impressive 2015, The Journeyman 2017 celebrates one of the greatest modern-day vintages.

Less plush and dense fruited, this latest release has more elegance and refinement on display and is typical of the stunning 2017 vintage. Produced from a selection of the finest barrels, it is sleek with a distinct and crystalline fruit purity, powered by gentle, detailed and chalky tannins. The long, refined palate purrs with pure class.

Usually a Cabernet Franc-led blend, the 2017 is 50% Cabernet Franc rounded out with equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Because the Franschhoek vineyard only ripens perfectly in certain vintages, it has only been produced in ‘05, ‘07, ‘09, ‘11, ‘15 and ‘17.

Named after Marc’s cockney grandfather, who was described as ‘The Journeyman’ on his father’s birth certificate, this wine is a personal expression that celebrates the unique and the individual. Produced in minute quantities, we have a small allocation that is limited to 6 bottles per person.

Boekenhoutskloof, The Journeyman 2017
Marc Kent and Gottfried Mocke only make two barrels of this sought-after Bordeaux blend, produced from a combination of Cabernet Franc with 25% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, all of it grown on the farm in Franschhoek. It's one of the most Bordeaux like of Cape reds, something that you could easily slip into a line-up of Médoc Second Growths. Fine and detailed with graphite-scented tannins and leafy complexity. Drink 2022-35. – Tim Atkin MW, 96/100