Outside of the Chinon region in France’s Loire Valley, it is rare to encounter a straight varietal Cab Franc (technically, this has 8% Shiraz, but it is allowed to be labelled as just ‘Cab Franc’ thanks to the 15% rule). The Crayeres Vineyard, located in Wrattonbully, sits next to the famed Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard. The team named it ‘Crayeres’ in honour of the chalk caves/cellars in Champagne which are known as ‘crayeres’, which is home to winemaker Xavier Bizot (the region, not the cellars). The vineyard has a similar chalkiness. It is also a fossil hotspot – and if you examine the chalk in Champagne, not uncommon to find traces of fossils from when the region was a sea-bed. 2020 was a cooler and slightly dryer vintage than normal for the region. The fruit was crushed and destemmed with fermentation occurring in large potter fermenters and smaller open top fermenters. The juice pressed off the skins before racking and then spent a year in French oak barrels (30% new).
A garnet ruby colour with aromas of raspberries, red apples, a hint of freshly turned earth and hints of that character which used to be known as crushed ants. Some blackberries on the palate. A mid-weight style which still exhibits elegance, the palate is soft and supple and seamless. Silky tannins, good length. Enjoy it now and over the next five years. 92.
