Parker Estate S.B.W Cabernet Franc 2024

This marks the inaugural release of Cabernet Franc for Parker Estate in an exclusive small batch production. Six days of fermentation in large format old oak, maturation for five months in a mix of 400L eggs and 400L puncheons. A reverberating, joyful purple colour with a distinct bluish hue, indicating a wine in its prime that likes to show all its youth unashamedly. Both vibrancy and fragrancy translate on the nose, with that typical vinosity of the early years. Lifted floral notes alternate with blueberries, blue plums, strawberries, black currants, oak-derived juniper berries and vanilla, and a savoury edge of pencil shavings. Utterly juicy and refreshing, as it should be, with alcohol in check. I like the chewy nature of the wine; it’s gentle yet playful and cheerful, with blueberry yoghurt and boysenberries adding to the flavours’ profile as it builds up with more time in the glass. Does it feel like a wine that has been closely, and annoyingly, coached to come up as a brilliant, perfect cadet? Yes. But I don’t mind giving it the benefit of the doubt.