Alessandro Stefani 2022 Yarra Valley Cabernet Franc 'Franc'

"This is a personal favourite of mine, and not just because I am close friends with Alessandro. The story goes: as it was fermenting the cellar was filled with aromas of blueberry pie: the autolytic elements from ferment mingling with the perfectly ripe 'cab-franc' fruit.

Supremely perfumed yet elegant nose, nothing vegetal or herbal here: small red and blue fruits mingling, complexity from spice box, maduro cigar leaf, and a hint of blood orange zest. The palate is medium bodied with fine tannins, saline and mouth-watering on the long, chalky finish. Further blue fruits with some crushed loganberry and a dab of preserve, together with loam and hints of cigar-box. Closer to Saint-Emilion than the Loire, with Cheval Blanc in sight over La Dominique." - David