Cabernet Franc

[Hunter]

I recently enjoyed a bottle of Tomfoolery's cab franc. Made here in the Barossa. (Vine vale) area..
So impressed, im wondering why i dont have any other 100% C.F in my cellar. Does anyone have any recommendations for any other Australian c.f that may be worth the punt. I have tried skillogalee's on a recent clare trip. I do remember it was quite pricey tho.
Cheers ..

[Matt@5453]

I have tried skillogalee's on a recent clare trip. I do remember it was quite pricey tho.
Cheers ..

Skillogalee’s is pricey, I think about $60 from memory.

A wine a lot of people are going “ga ga” over is Gertie Cabernet Franc from the Clare Valley made by Ben Marx. I have not tried this wine, others I know have suggest it is quite ‘cloudy’ and looks unfinished. However, like I said its getting a lot of very good press and its now very hard to get hold of, but believe worth a look if you can get it.

[Tucker Wine Studios]

I liked Paracombe's straight Cabernet Franc, quite aromatic, on the medium bodied side.

Hemera in the Barossa and Howard in the Adelaide Hills also do a straight CF as far as I know but haven't tried yet.

Cheers,
Mario

[Ozzie W]

Try 2014 Blue Poles Reserve Cabernet Franc from Margaret River. Still a few bottles of this lurking about at various retailers.

[Mahmoud Ali]

I very much liked Jenke's 'Golf Link Vineyard'' Cabernet Franc from the Barossa Vally. IMade from younger vines, about a decade or so, it was very drinkable. More serious was their Mouvedre. Made with grapes from an 1890 vineyard, this was a deep, dark wine, firm and tannic, and in need of cellaring.

Mahmoud.

[grapeobserver]

Punt Road, Yarra Valley and Pyren Vineyard, Pyrenees make a fresh, Saumur style of cab franc. Jamsheed's Yarra Valley cab franc looks of interest, but haven't tried.

[sjw_11]

Settlement Wine Company in McLaren Vale used to do an amazing Cab Franc that aged very well... I think the fruit was from Langhorne Creek if I recall correctly.

I am not sure they even exist anymore...

[Hunter]

Thanks, some great reccomendations there. Il try to catch up with some clare producers.

[Ian S]

Best's do a relatively light / accessible version from Concongella vineyard that was really vibrant / enjoyable at 5 years old.

Well worth trying a Loire Cab Franc (any number of appellations) to get a different perspective, but perhaps safest to start with a warm vintage, because the leafiness / greenness in a cooler vintage might be a shock to the system.

[Mark Carrington]

If venturing into Loire try Bernard Baudry's Chinons. If possible, obtain designated wines. Yannick Amirault Bourgeuil/ St Nicholas de Bourgeuil are excellent, too

[rens]

I think Tahbilk does a straight CF.

[cuttlefish]

Woodlands make it under their "Reserve de la Cave" label, or used to from time to time.

[Hunter]

One email to ben and he's on his way to the barossa today to drop off x6 gertie C.F. cheering

Is there any ageing potential here ?

[ufo]

Settlement Wine Company in McLaren Vale used to do an amazing Cab Franc that aged very well... I think the fruit was from Langhorne Creek if I recall correctly.

I am not sure they even exist anymore...

Yeah, they were not known much but used to make great wine. I do wonder too if they are still in business?

[Diddy]

Woodlands do a 'Réserve de la Cave' Cab Franc which was quite enjoyable, although it may be a cellar door only release.

Worth tracking down if you can find it.

[Diddy]

Woodlands make it under their "Reserve de la Cave" label, or used to from time to time.

Sorry, just noticed you already beat me to it!

[andyled]

I will be calling into Woodlands tomorrow and so will ask the question.

[Hunter]

I will be calling into Woodlands tomorrow and so will ask the question.

Yeah nice, let us know how its if on tasting.

[andyled]

OK so Woodlands don't have a pure Cabernet Franc. They do have a Cabernet Franc Merlot. Very drinkable.

However moving 30km further south.... Redgate Wines on Boodijup Road do have a pure Cabernet Franc. I'm not a devotee of Cabernet Franc but it was palatable and received approval from my tasting companions.