2023 Cabernet Franc

2023 Cabernet Franc

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Varietals, Vineyard & Harvest: 100% cabernet franc, clones 214 and 327 grown and hand-harvested at Black Bank Hill on 23 October 2023 at 23.2 brix.

Winemaking: The grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed prior to a wild/ambient fermentation in tank. 20-months élevage in 19% new French oak barrels. Estate bottled unfiltered and unfined at Black Bank Hill 25 July 2025.

Vintage Note: This wine speaks directly to the exceptional 2023 cool-climate conditions, which present the balancing forces of higher cloud-cover and moderated sunshine with an ongoing consistency of heat driving complete phenolic ripeness.

Wine Description: Dark ruby in colour. Aromas of cherry, blueberry, plum, raspberry, eucalyptus, violet, jalapeño pepper, with wild bramble, cassis, roasted red pepper, thyme, graphite, kalamata olive and cocoa, on the palate. Medium-plus in body and acidity and ripe and fine tannins, with an exceptional energy and finish to this wine. Already very pleasurable upon release but will benefit from further cellar/bottle aging. Peak drinking window from 2028+.

Acidity & pH: TA 7.3 g/L, pH 3.41

Sweetness: Extra dry on the palate containing 0.5 g/L residual sugar

Alcohol by Volume: 13.8%

Production: 169 cases

 

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Independent Wine Reviews

David Lawrason - 93 points, Value Rating: 5/5

The 2022 predecessor took a Platinum medal at the National Wine Awards. This vintage follows on well with a core sense of authenticity, and a it more energy from this vintage. Cab franc (Loire) purists will love this. Colour is luminous, fairly deep ruby. The nose sports lifted slightly grapy but berry fruit somewhere between raspberry and blackberry, plus violets, fresh herbs, shrubby evergreen, and background oak. It is medium weight and energized with gritty, slightly green and grainy tannin. The length is excellent. It was aged 20 months in French oak barrels (19% new). I would rest it about two years. it should drink well for a decade. Tasted March 2026.

John Szabo, MS – 93 points, Value Rating: 5/5

Appealingly gravelly and herbal in the classic cabernet franc idiom, Blanc Bank Hill's short track record with this variety from a young vineyard continues to defy the odds with its high class and composure, and complexity, usually reserved for far more mature vineyards. I like the floral undertow in the varietal idiom, presenting as a proper cool climate example yet with a little more heft and depth than the mean. The palate is quite seamless already, with fine-grained, grainy tannins and silky acids drawing saliva. Length and depth are very good to excellent. Stylish, high-quality wine, best from 2027. Tasted March 2026.

Megha Jandhyala, DipWSET – 93 points, Value Rating: 4/5

Not obviously fruity, more savoury, in fact this wine is defined by appealing herbal notes reminiscent of roasted and fresh herbs, savoury spices, and dried violets. There is also a stony, gravelly undertone that I enjoy. The palate is medium to full bodied, with soft warmth, fine tannins, and balanced acidity. I like the long-layered finish. Complex and balanced, with identifiable cabernet franc character (though it is not so much vegetal as herbal) and undeniable elegance, this wine is ready to drink but can be cellared for another 5 years. Tasted March 2026.

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