The 2023 vintage was not too heavy and not too light. It was just right. So right in fact that our small plot of Cabernet Franc produced something very special, which we decided to bottle as a single varietal for the first time. We normally wouldn’t do this but at least the variety has Cabernet in its name. If Cabernet Sauvignon is the king of grapes, then Cabernet Franc is the beautiful princess.

From less than 1000 north-east facing vines, tucked away in the most sheltered part of the vineyard. The yields were dismally low, with only 800 kg harvested but the fruit had real personality and depth. Harvested by hand in late March, the fruit was then destemmed, individually berry sorted and naturally fermented in two French oak demi muids. Maturation followed in a single seasoned puncheon for 10 months.

This wine is a little bit serious while celebrating the vibrancy and perfume of Cabernet Franc. Medium bodied with aromas of raspberry, licorice and rose petal with a touch of pink peppercorn spice. The palate is all dark cherry and rocky road with a cool vein of plush velvety tannins, all balanced by pomegranate like acidity.