Stockman’s Ridge add a straight Cabernet Franc to their Signature Range (along with a Left Bank and a Right Bank). Winemaker is the lauded Will Rikard-Bell.

Stockman’s Ridge, Signature Range, Cabernet Franc, Orange, 2022

Neat purple to garnet colour. Pastille to blue fruits. Violet flowers and dusty school chalk. Rosemary flower, molten chocolate and some meaty char. Medium to full flesh with calm, yet ropey tannin that provides a neat amount of chew. Dark berries with sweet oak give a boyhood memory of mixed lollies (chocolate and pastilles) to what can be a dusty variety. Neatly balanced and finishing clean. Definite points for drinkability.

RRP: $45
Alc: 14%
Rating: 93/100

Wine sample courtesy of Stockman’s Ridge and Define Wine