Dry Grown Cabernet Franc 2023

Technical Details

• Alcohol: 13.5% Alc/Vol 

• Vegan Friendly

Tasting Notes

Produced from just nine rows of 100% dry-grown Cabernet Franc, this medium-bodied wine is vibrant and expressive, showcasing juicy dark fruits with distinctive choc-mint notes and subtle herbal complexity. The palate is generous and mouth-filling, supported by abundant natural tannins and finishing dry, elegant and beautifully balanced. An outstanding match for succulent roasted pork belly.

Vineyard

Fruit is sourced from our 49-year-old, 12-hectare dry-grown vineyard in Mount Barker, Great Southern. Grown without irrigation on ancient gravelly loam soils, the mature vines naturally produce low yields and intensely flavoured fruit. Our Cabernet Franc planting comprises just nine rows, making this a rare and limited-production wine that reflects the unique character of the site.

Vintage Comments

The 2023 season was both unusually dry and remarkably cool, creating one of the most distinctive vintages experienced in recent years. Following a dry spring and mild summer, harvest conditions remained cool with low rainfall, resulting in reds with lower alcohol, bright natural acidity and elegant structure while maintaining excellent flavour concentration.

Winemaking

Our Cabernet Franc is crafted in a modern, fruit-forward style to showcase the vibrant character of this unique variety. The fruit is fermented to preserve its bright aromatics and juicy palate before spending 12 months in seasoned French oak barrels, adding subtle complexity without overpowering the wine.

Cabernet Franc naturally possesses fine tannins and distinctive dark chocolate and savoury notes, so the winemaking focuses on enhancing these qualities while maintaining freshness and balance. The result is an approachable yet structured wine with expressive fruit, gentle oak influence and an elegant, lingering finish.