Maison Noire Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2015 $25 Cabernet Franc is just the sexiest wee red grape, and yet it’s very rarely made into wine on its own. Crafted by Guillaume Thomas from his tiny vineyard on the Waimarama Road, this new 2015 vintage is ultra-floral and rock-solid with spices and racy, raspberry/cranberry characters. The … Read More
cabernet franc
Alpha Domus Special Reserve ‘The Aviator’ Hawke’s Bay 2016
Alpha Domus Special Reserve ‘The Aviator’ Hawke’s Bay 2016 $69 This is the flagship Bordeaux blend for the Alpha Domus team led by winemaker Barry Riwai, and this vintage is a blend dominated by cabernet sauvignon that’s boosted by cabernet frand, merlot and malbec from the famous, iron-rich, red gravels of the Bridge Pa Triangle … Read More
Collaboration Wines Impression Rosé 2018
Collaboration Wines Impression Rosé 2018 $25 Crafted from 100% cabernet franc grapes from winemaker Julz Brogden’s favourite sites around Hawke’s Bay, this rosé is a total standout. I love that it’s dry, snappy and sophisticated and shows amazing length of flavour. So elegant and stylish, yet it also boasts superb body, bodaciousness and texture. Yummo!
Sacred Hill Helmsman Cabernet Merlot Franc 2015 $80 (5 stars)
My first taste of this wine was a few years before the millennium and back then I was told the name represented something that led the way that stood ahead of the pack and steered you in the right direction. This new vintage lives up to its reputation for focus and drive. A Helmsman is … Read More
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013
Beach House Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2013 $25 ★★★★★ Outrageously good. So good in fact it was selected a one of just twelve wines to represent the very best of the famous Gimblett Gravels appellation from the much lauded 2013 vintage. That it’s only $25 a bottle is quite staggering because it tastes better than … Read More
Let’s be Franc…
When it comes to popular wine varieties cabernet franc is the bridesmaid of the Bordeaux family. Essential in that everyone expects it to be there, (to make up the numbers and keep the feng shui of all the flavours in balance) but it never seems to be singled out for much attention. I absolutely love … Read More
Ti Point Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010
Ti Point Two Merlot Cabernet Franc 2010 $22 Matakana winemaker Tracy Haslam has created a really tasty wine with bright berryfruit, smoke and pepper notes on the nose followed by lovely plush, fruit-forward tannins and a ripe, robust finish. A definite crowd-pleaser and absolutely lovely with steak and kidney pie. www.tipoint.co.nz
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009
Black Barn Hawke’s Bay Cabernet Franc 2009 $59 Lifted plum, prune, dried herbs, cedar and exotic smokey notes open the door to a burst of blackberry, pepper, juicy red liquorice and tangy earthy flavours in the mouth. I love cabernet franc, and this example really makes a massive impression with delicious presence and solid length … Read More