Estate Cabernet Franc vertical tasting: 2016, 2015 & 2012 (3 bottle mix pack)
Cabernet Franc 2016
Gold Medal Global Fine Wine Challenge Dec 2021
Huon Hooke 91 points Drink till 2026
"Medium to full red colour with a purple tinge, lighter than cabernet sauvignon but typical of this grape, while the bouquet has herbal and crushed blackcurrant aromas, the palate lean and medium-bodied at most with crushed-leaf and blackcurrant flavours. The tannins are mild and yet impart a certain firmness to the texture. A very appealing medium wine with typical varietal flavours."
Cabernet Franc 2015
James Halliday 94 points Drink till 2028
"Good hue, although not especially deep; you can see why this cabernet franc wasn't blended, its elegant redcurrant and raspberry fruit enhanced by subtle French oak and savoury herbal and black olive."
Huon Hooke 90 points Drink till 2026
"Medium to deep red/purple colour with a tobacco-leafy, milky lactic bouquet, which has liberal vanilla and some development. The palate is light to medium-bodied and lean, slightly firm and sinewy, and falls away a little on the aftertaste. It's a lean, tobaccoey St Emilion-like style. Nice."
Cabernet Franc 2012
James Halliday 95 points Drink till 2030
"Has a deeper and more vivid colour than the '12 Hay Shed Hill Cabernet Franc tasted at the same time; the palate is very different, with a deeper fruit profile and flavour spectrum, but not losing touch with its varietal birthright. I strongly suspect that if the two wines were served blind to those unaware of the rival claims, the Umamu would be the preferred wine, even though it's not necessarily the best cabernet franc."
Robert Parker The Wine Advocate 91 points
"Medium garnet-purple, the 2012 Cabernet Franc has a lovely nose of warm redcurrants, red cherries and roses with nuances of pencil shavings and bay leaf. Medium-bodied and showing a great intensity of red fruit and toasty flavors, it has a medium level of finely grained tannins, a refreshing acid backbone and a finish with great persistence. Drink it now to 2020+."
Cabernet Franc 2016
Appearance: Medium plum with magenta notes.
Nose: Blackberry, cherry and mint with good intensity coming through.
Palate: Ripe red berry fruits, mulberry, velvety tannins, lovely mouthfeel delicate with a smooth supple finish and good length.
Cabernet Franc 2015
Appearance: Ruby red, dark plum.
Nose: Smokey, dusty with ripe blackberries.
Palate: Red plum & ripe raspberry notes. Smooth palate with rounded tannins & generous length.
Enjoy wine pairing? Why not try our Cabernet Franc with Green Olive, Artichoke and Feta Tart orVeal Saltimbocca?
Learn more about our food and wine pairing here.
