DESCRIPTION

Paul Wallace Highlander Cabernet Franc 2023 marks the maiden release of this variety from the Wallace family in Elgin. The vineyard, a high-lying 0.3 ha site originally earmarked for a family home, was planted in 2016 to Clone CF214 on Paulsen rootstock. Now showing maturity, the block delivers fruit of depth and personality, shaped by its decomposed granite soils. Grapes were harvested on 27 February 2023 and given a three-day cold soak before fermentation. Twenty percent of the crop was whole-bunch fermented, with the balance destemmed. Extraction was carefully managed with pump-overs early in fermentation, followed by gentler punch-downs. After a nine-day post-fermentation maceration, the wine completed malolactic fermentation and matured for eleven months in 300 L French oak barrels, of which 30% were new and the remainder second- and third-fill. Bottled on 26 February 2024 without fining or heavy filtration, just 1,200 bottles were produced. Residual Sugar: 1.8 g/l. Bottled at 13%. (Bottle size 750ml)

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Aromatics of dark summer fruits, wild bramble, strawberry, and violets, with subtle cedar and herbal notes adding complexity.

Palate: Bright and fruit-driven, with red and black fruits layered with savoury herbs and cracked red peppercorns. Oak is finely integrated, lending structure while keeping the fruit front and center.

Finish: Long, slightly savoury, and poised, with refined tannins and balanced acidity. Elegant and expressive, reflecting both site and variety.

CABERNET FRANC RED WINE