2022 Frankland Estate Cabernet Franc

Organically grown fruit for Frankland Estate Cabernet Franc was sourced from mature vines on the Isolation Ridge vineyard at Frankland Estate. The grapes were harvested in ideal conditions and fermented in shallow stainless steel open fermenters. They were hand-plunged to keep the ferment even and as gentle as possible, minimising extraction before being aged on lees for 10 months in 500-litre French oak puncheons. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.
Bright, vibrant red colour. Uplifted aroma of redcurrants, earthy undertones, dusty plums, purple lilac florals, savoury, hints of olive, chocolate flecks; an enticing rich nose, restrained, yet delicate. Delicate gravelly, mouthcoating tannins give the wine some lovely length, dense yet soft upfront, medium weighted. It shows mulberry and plum-like flavours with a hint of leather and cherries and a saline finish. Beautifully poised. – Hunter Smith, Frankland Estate

From 1988 plantings on Isolation Ridge, raised in 1500L foudre and 500l puncheons. Wonderful rosy perfume, dried cranberry, redcurrant, chocolate and spice, a slight gum leafiness. Medium-bodied, gravelly tannin, some dried herb and subtle earthiness, fine brick dust tannin, freshness in with the sweet red fruits, and a long firm finish, black olive in the aftertaste. A wonderful expression of Franc. 94 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front 

This a gorgeous, mid-weighted wine of a contagious energy, lifted floral scents and such immaculate poise, that three glasses solo can easily turn into an entire bottle. Prosaic, in the very best, gulpable way. Think violets, crushed blackcurrants, spearmint and anise, with a touch of sassafras and black olives. The tannins, a thrumming matrix of just-enough-grip and brightness. This is ready to go. 93 points. Ned Goodwin MW, JamesSuckling.com