2024 Cabernet Franc

EXCLUSIVE RELEASE

Brokenwood’s inaugural Cabernet Franc release, grown on the Oakey Creek Vineyard, of which we purchased in mid-2021 from the Drayton family. The fruit for this wine is sourced from a small 1.89Ha parcel which is on a gentle south-east facing slope and was planted in 1989. It is situated directly above both the Semillon and Chardonnay blocks. Cabernet Franc is one of the mainstay varietals of the Loire Valley in France. It also makes up an important blending component around the world alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Like all winemaking regions around the world, the Loire Valley has a vibrant mix of young artisan winemakers working alongside very traditional wine producing companies. The traditional style is matured in small oak barrels for 18 months before bottling, whereas the younger brigade strives for fruit freshness with the oak playing a supporting role. The Brokenwood style is very much down this bright fruit path. Throughout the Hunter, low yields were a consistent theme. Coming off three consecutive wet winters and then a historically dry 2023 winter, these factors all combined to take their toll on vine health. It was an incredibly condensed harvest and whilst yields were low, the quality is excellent with good flavour and chemistry.