96 pts & Gold Decanter World Wine Awards “Leafy aromatic nose with lovely scents of red cherry, black tea, brambly fruit, tobacco and coffee undertones. Textured and well-layered, with a long sappy finish.”

95 pts Jane Faulkner, Halliday Wine Companion "A lot of effort goes into growing and making this wine. While it's a variety that can be so elegant, this is a bigger, richer style yet done well and doesn't go OTT. It's brimming with blueberries, currants and red cherries, spiced to the max with cinnamon and cloves plus a liberal spread of dried herbs. Full bodied, plush with expansive tannins and a lingering finish.:

95 pts Huon Hooke "..the bouquet has good varietal raspberry, crushed herb and cassis aromas, with a whiff of vanillin oak, the palate is soft and bright, with chocolate and blackberry alongside dark cherry and fine, ripe tannins...A very smart Franc"

94 pts James Suckling “A rich and layered red, plums and berries with some chocolate and hazelnut. Full-bodied. Round and pretty tannins and a delicious finish. Rather opulent. Drink or hold.”

Overview

"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.

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, 40% of which are new.." - Domaine Naturaliste

“The fruit was harvested based on achieving a balance of tannin and flavour ripeness while maintaining fruit freshness. 55% new barrels until the wine has achieved its own harmony, which was 14 months. The barriques are primarily from forests in the Center of France, Troncais and a touch of Bertrange. The wine then enjoys another year in bottle before release." - Domaine Naturaliste