The 2009 Cabernet Franc is almost blue black in appearance. High notes of fine brandy giving way to liquorice and hints of juniper on the nose. The palate exhibits great richness, generosity, and warmth. Focus is achieved through a graphite and mineral like finish.

With its large extract, and sturdy structural components, there is great future potential in the cellar.

2009 Vintage

• GOLD - 5 Nations WIne Awards, Sydney, Sep. 2011
• 5 STARS "From Te Awa, this is a hugely charming red, yet has the power to age. Purple-flushed, it is fruit-packed, ripe and supple, with a strong surge of plumy, spicy flavour, hints of blackcurrant and dark chocolate, and velvety tannins. D rink now and over the next decade." Michael Cooper – The Listener – May 21 2011
• 5 STARS, 93/100 "Moderately dense sweet fruit with a fine-grained texture. Dark berry, licorice, chocolate and mineral characters interwoven with classy oak. A powerful and youthful red with great potential. "Bob Campbell – bobswinereviews.com – May 2011
• 5 STARS, 95/100 "Cabernet Franc is an underrated grape. When it's ripe and concentrated, it can make one of the most delightful, engaging and beautifully structured reds. And this is one of the rare wines that captured the essence of the variety and expressed it perfectly. The nose is pristine and elegantly perfumed, displaying red plum, floral, mixed spice and a hint of game characters. It's refined and elegant, yet concentrated, showing superb focus and detail leading to a lingering firm finish, provided by fine chalky tannins. One that will reward cellaring. "Sam Kim – Wine Orbit – May 2011