Alessandro Stefani 2024 Yarra Valley Cabernet Franc 'Supera II'

"Hints of violet infuse mid-ruby. No luridity. A wine of arresting fragrance, Alessandro Stefani's 2024 Cabernet Franc, now reborn as 'Supera II', unfurls nuances of Cypriot Tobacco, dried blood, cold embers, and vine smoke. This aromatic profile is anchored by crushed red and blue fruits, and hints of sliced brown mushrooms. Notions of split-log, cellar, wet limestone, and earth add considerable complexity. Much to ponder. Silken on the palate, though brilliantly fresh from arresting acidity and chalky phenolics, it possesses fine and powdery tannins that underscore its long and resonant finish. Crushed and slightly tart blueberries, raspberry, and light cherry are wrapped balsam herbs, complemented by strawberry, mineral, fennel seed, and mineral notes. If I seem to falter here it is that shape is still far more important at this early stage; the potential for development, bound up in this wine, is immense. A wine for years hence yet delicious still at present. Echoes of St. Emilion once again, rather than Saumur. Very good." — David