This Stockman's Ridge Signature Right Bank tips its hat to Bordeaux’s St Emillion wines, being a blend Merlot and Cabernet Franc 70/30. As I found in my trip to Orange in September, Cabernet Franc is a variety absolutely thriving in the region's soils.
Much like its Left Bank stablemate, the tension captivates. That noose is pulled tight and even after a couple of days it demonstrates its aging potential. Plums and blackcurrants fuse with tomato bush and passata. Dried oregano and thyme are scattered about with some twigs, figs and tilled earth adding further interest. A fine dusting of black pepper has the last word with firm, grippy tannins that are powdery and brick dust like. There is a lot to embrace here. It's very nicely done.
Drink to ten years+
93/100
Region: Orange
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