The Uva Mira Fox’s Lair 2022 is a stunning newcomer from the high-altitude slopes of the Helderberg. Winemaker Christiaan Coetzee crafted this maiden release after spotting a Cape Fox among the estate’s preserved fynbos islands. This Cabernet Franc-led blend benefits from a cold winter and a slow, cool ripening season in 2022. These ideal conditions produced berries with incredible concentration and elegant flavor. The wine serves as a “baby OTV,” offering the prestige of the estate’s flagship at a more accessible profile.
You will enjoy an expressive nose of wild blackberry, ripe cranberry, and fresh tobacco leaf. The Uva Mira Fox’s Lair 2022 reveals a pure core of blackcurrant layered with delicate graphite and savory salinity. Its superfine tannins and bright acidity create a velvety, creamy texture that carries through to a vibrant finish. This wine perfectly balances the floral perfume of Cabernet Franc with the structural depth of Cabernet Sauvignon. It drinks beautifully now but possesses the stamina to evolve in your cellar for over a decade.
- 96 Points – Greg Sherwood MW (“Vibrant, velvety, and true class personified”)
- 93 Points – Decanter World Wine Awards (Estimated based on estate performance)
Christiaan Coetzee emphasizes the “porcelain edge” of the Helderberg in this blend. The 2022 season’s snow on the mountain peaks provided the vines with deep dormancy, resulting in exceptional fruit clarity. This wine pairs exquisitely with roasted lamb, venison, or a rich beef bourguignon. Its refined tannins also make it a wonderful companion for aged hard cheeses.