Holm Oak Cabernet Franc Rosé 2023

 

Barbecue Rosé. Grippy with some depth, this is certainly a wine best enjoyed with food. That savoury and earthy flutter plays a neat hand. Throw it at some skirt steak or a snag on bread - winning!

Philip Shaw Wines Cabernet Franc 2022

 

Another Cabernet Franc from Orange and another winner. So bright, fresh and vibrant with an attractive label, I just want in.

Matthew Atallah Wines Block 1 Cabernet Franc 2021

 

Named 'The Socialist Red', this Cabernet Franc was the result of many hands pitching in to help winemaker Matthew Atallah during vintage when he tore a muscle in his shoulder days prior to the heavy lifting. How good is it when the community rallies around their mates!

Matthew Atallah Wines Block 1 Cabernet Franc Rosé 2022

 

A pretty and crunchy thing, this is a very tasty Rosé from Matthew Atallah. A small operator who sources fruit from various vineyards, this Cabernet Franc comes from Canowindra just down the hill from Orange.

Hoosegg Jade Moon Cabernet Franc 2018

 

What a pretty wine this is! An absolutely divine Cabernet Franc from the hands of Philip Shaw.

Hoosegg Self Made Man 2017

 

A blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, lighter pressings have been brought together to produce a wine with fabulous aromatics.

Ross Hill Wines Pinnacle Cabernet Franc 2021

 

One of the big surprise packets during my recent trip to Orange was Cabernet Franc. I knew there was a bit of it around but the volume and range of producers I discovered was exciting. A variety that is performing exceptionally well in the region, this release from Ross Hill was one of the best.

Ross Hill Wines Isabelle 2022

 

Every brand has a pizza and pasta wine and this is the Ross Hill version. Spilling over with juicy fruit, this is an easy wine to kick back with.

Patina Wines Jezza 2018

 

Jezza is what winemaker Gerald Naef's nieces and nephews call him. He loves Bordeaux varieties and this brings together his faves. A generous but smooth blend, this will continue to reward over many years in the cellar.

Dreaded Friend Cabernet Franc 2022

 

Winemaker Nadja Wallington's late father planted these Cabernet Franc vines simply because he loved looking over vines. From the family vineyard in Canowindra, this is a beautiful tribute to him.

Canobolas Wines Alchemy 2022

Alchemy is the Canobolas Wines flagship and is a 50/50 blend of the best barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. A wine with stunning lift and depth, it draws you into its vortex.

Canobolas Wines Cabernet Franc 2022

 

One of the great eye-openers from my Orange expedition was tasting an array of Cabernet Franc wines. Much to my surprise, it was more popular than first thought, and the quality was consistently high. This release from Canobolas Wines hits the mark.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021

 

I like this. A lot. It's gun barrel straight. What you see is what you get. Wrap your mouth around this very tidy Cabernet Franc.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Reserve 2019

 

Xavier Bizot again proves he is the premier wine producer from the Wrattonbully region. This Vineyard Reserve deserves its time in the cellar. Do that and your patience will be rewarded deluxe.

Briar Ridge Limited Release Wrattonbully BDX 2021

 

Named the BDX, you could assume it's a Bordeaux blend but its main player is Barbera. It's not so Bordeaux then is it? But given the appellation law has changed (a law many would be oblivious to), it's a curious name I must admit.

Nightfall Libra The Balance Dry Red 2019

 

Is The Balance a nice way of saying the dregs? We will never know. What I can tell you is that this Cabernet/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend stacks up and holds its own very well.

Nightfall Aquila Cabernet Franc 2019

 

There is an inherent charm and calm about this Cabernet Franc. It slides through with ease and invites you to be whisked away. Yes, take me there. From the outset, it screams class. The packaging and the labeling are off the chart. Get the right light on the bottle and the label glistens like the night sky.

Dappled Traditions Cabernets 2020

 

Shaun Crinion, the owner and winemaker of Dappled Wines, sure knows how to slap together a smart wine. A chilled out dude, he is quite considerate about his craft. This Cabernets is a top drink and screams value - as do all of his wines.

Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2020

 

Wrattonbully Cabernet Franc done well. Very, very well. With a beautiful perfume, I'm hooked from the outset. Given the asking price, this is an excellent buy.

The Bone Line Iridium 2018

 

From a small winery in New Zealand's North Canterbury region, The Bone Line is dishing up some very smart wines. This blend is another example of that. Give it some air and it's a dangerous drink. Cool evenings with whispy pink clouds in the sky as the sun sets - the perfect match awaits.