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This is the sixth release of Michael Downer’s Cabernet Franc, and it’s fast become a staple of the range. The fruit was sourced from Murdoch’s own Oakbank Vineyard, which sits at a lofty 400 metres and has sandy loam soils lightly peppered with quartz. Downer’s recent plantings of a further 400 Cabernet Franc vines means, thankfully, there’s a bit more to go around in 2023.
The vines here are spur-pruned, and the team practises detailed hand-pruning, shoot-thinning and bunch-thinning to ensure they give Downer the lifted, violet and red-fruited profile he’s chasing for this spicy, sappy, Loire-inspired red. The fruit for the 2023 was handpicked and 100% destemmed, then racked into mature French barriques where it rested for seven months.
It's clear Downer is hitting his stride with Cabernet Franc. This bright, pure fruited and brilliantly balanced release is his finest yet. Rich in varietal charm, it's layered with berry fruits, a touch of pepper spice and beautifully supple texture. A ripper release.