Clandestine Vineyards #3 Margaret River Cabernet Franc 2018

Clandestine Vineyards #3 Margaret River Cabernet Franc 2018

Our Price: $28.99 / bottle
(RRP $35.00)

Case: 6 bottles

Case Price: $173.94

"Hand-picked, open-fermented, matured for 11 months in French barriques. Very good depth and hue; hints of cedar and cigar on the intense black and purple fruit, tannins a gloss on the French more than within it. Striking Wine." 93 points, James Halliday

Winemaker's Notes
Reviews/Accolades

Sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1982, this third and final wine under the Clandestine label is a homage to the wine style of the historic Loire Valley town of Chinon.

The vineyard; now some 36 years old, is quite unique and eccentric, according to Mike Kerrigan. It’s north-facing slope located in the southern sub-region of Wallcliffe is considered more than rare; the cooler micro-climate combined with the northern perspective means the best of two worlds for this site; an extended ripening period allows for fleshy, juicer and more importantly, varietal fruit.

Hand-picked, open-fermented, hand plunged and matured in older neutral French oak barriques for eleven months, this first release has intense dark purple colour and sweet, supple fruit and is a rarely produced Bordeaux varietal in Australia.

Vintage: 2018
Variety: Cabernet Franc
Region: McLaren Vale, SA
Alcohol: 14.5%
"Hand-picked, open-fermented, matured for 11 months in French barriques. Very good depth and hue; hints of cedar and cigar on the intense black and purple fruit, tannins a gloss on the French more than within it. Striking Wine." 93 points, James Halliday

Ray Jordan – Score: 94/100
This is a variety that in Australia is normally a blending option but when you get some good fruit then a varietal becomes a distinct possibility. This turned out to be a bloody good idea. Highly scented as you would imagine and with a palate that has presence and poise, while retaining a regal elegance. Comes from a special vineyard in Wallcliffe. Very promising

Huon Hooke’s The Real Review’ – 93 points
A fragrant, vibrant, varietal cabernet franc with commendable fruit energy and excellent mid-palate concentration. Good palate tension and dark berry intensity. The tannins are sculptural and appropriate, and the oak is a mere shadow.