STOCKMAN'S RIDGE 2022 ‘SIGNATURE RANGE’ CABERNET FRANC

STOCKMAN'S RIDGE 2022 ‘SIGNATURE RANGE’ CABERNET FRANC ($45 / Orange, NSW)

The was smitten by cabernet franc early in my wine days, but back in the 1980s they were few & far between- and most were pretty ho-hum.

It has always amazed me that Cab Franc is lighter and brighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, given that Cabernet Sauvignon the result of crossbreeding Cab Franc with Sav Blanc- You would have thought that the offspring of these two would be lighter and brighter- right? But oh no Cab Sav is deeper denser & dare I say it stodgier than Cab Franc.

Anyhow I adore a good Cab Franc, the most renowned being scintillating Chateau Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux.

My dear friend, scholar & gentleman Jim Irvine turned his hand to Cab Franc after he sold Irvine Wines- home of THE best Merlot in the southern hemisphere, in 2014. Before health forced him to retire at age 83 under his (new) label Marjico Wines he produced three vintages of absolute cracking Cab Franc.

Well today’s wine is right up there with the very best Aussie Cab Franc.

The Stockman's Ridge 2022 ‘Signature Range’ Orange Region Cabernet Franc is bloody brilliant. It is mid-depth purple red in colour with a subtle, slightly sweet-smelling floral bouquet with some alluring hints of violets. The palate is enticing, silky smooth, beautifully rounded with “metric tonnes” of divine flavours and a gentle lingering finish. Soft enough to be very easy drinking yet with a solid backbone to make it a very classy and durable wine.

DROP DEAD GORGEOUS

This mind-blowing wine along with the rest of the exciting range can be found on www.stockmansridge.com.au

P.S. the Stockman’s Ridge 2022 Signature Right Bank (Cab blend) is also utterly brilliant.

Winery website

Dan Traucki