2023 Corymbia Cabernet Franc

The 2023 release marks the first time Rob and Gen Mann have bottled Cabernet Franc on its own - and with just 50 dozen made, it’s not something you’ll see often. This tiny parcel sits in the most sheltered pocket of their organically farmed Calgardup vineyard, just inland from Redgate Beach. In 2023, the vines gave them just 800kg of fruit, but what little they had was too good to blend away.

Hand-harvested, berry-sorted and naturally fermented in two old demi-muids, the wine was then matured in a single seasoned puncheon for ten months. It’s a medium-bodied, savoury take on Franc that’s all about finesse over flash. You get perfume, spice, and that trademark Margaret River sea spray note, wrapped around fine, gently chewy tannins.

This is a seriously characterful wine from a producer quietly doing things their own way. Keep your eyes out - there won’t be much to go around.

95 points
"Dark fruit, florals and Margaret River seaweed character. Pulses with energy, elegant yet plush with beautiful tannins. A rare Aussie cab franc gem."
- Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

94 points
"Dried flowers, black tea, licorice, bay leaf and nori with ashy hints. Supple, chewy and earthy with brilliant tannic flow and concentration."
- Erin Larkin (The Wine Advocate)

94 points
"Raspberry, cherry pip, pomegranate and umami kombu with grilled hazelnut and blood orange. Saline, savoury, minerally and distinctly characterful."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)