2021 Le Naturaliste Cabernet Franc

2024-05-01T14:53:45+08:00

Type: Flagship
Price: 95.00

Pristine Tannin | Violets | Ironstone

Cabernet Franc is the shy little sister of the Bordelaise family: aromatic, soft textured and boasting pristinely fine tannin and drive.

The decision to craft an expression of Margaret River as seen through the mode of this noble and ancient grape was an easy one, particularly when faced with fruit grown in the heart of Wilyabrup and on our quintessentially alimental gravel loam soils.

Subtle threads of violets, cherry blossom and fresh juniper berries serve as highlights to an ample tapestry of black plums, cacao nib and ironstone. Sheer textures of crushed granite and black cherry skin are laced with porcelain tannin and quenching natural acidity.

AWARDS

95pts Ray Jordan "a Cab Franc with power and concentrated intensity."

95pts JamesSuckling.com "Wonderfully complex and perfumed with aromas of wild blueberries, violets, dark chocolate and damson plums. The full-bodied palate has finely integrated tannins and balanced acidity, giving notes of dark cherries, chalk, cured meats, graphite and dried herbs. Very lush and structured with a floral edge. Drink or hold."

95pts Halliday Wine Companion "Given the difficult vintage, this is showing lovely, if big, flavours with no weedy nuances at all. An impressive wine rich in black fruit, dark chocolate studded with mint, lashings of cedary oak and plentiful tannins. No wallflower as it's full bodied and almost voluptuous, yet the finish is long and generous."

95pts Shanteh Wale, Winepilot "A lovely ripeness to the fruit opens to some rich chocolaty tones, mocha, coffee and read tea leaf. Tannins are dusty and spread evenly across the palate...A labour of love and a wondrous outcome."

Winemaker's Notes

ALCOHOL

14% by Vol | 8.3 Standard Drinks

FOOD MATCHING

Lean red meats | gamey poultry | hard cheese

WINEMAKING

Having achieved a perfect balance, the fruit is picked, carefully destemmed and kept as whole berries for fermentation. Gently handled and pressed after 12 days on skin to 500L French oak Puncheons.

MATURATION

Aged for 14 months in 500L French Oak Puncheons, 40% of which were new. The larger barrels aid in retaining aromatics and fostering a more vibrant and primal energy.

CELLARING POTENTIAL

Will mature gracefully for 15+ years