Crawford River Cabernet Merlot Franc
$3499each
$419DOZEN
WineryCrawford River
Fruit CabernetSauv CabernetFranc Merlot
Regions Henty
  Victoria
Each $34.99
$419.00
Currently out of stock
Completely dry grown and deliberately low cropped, the vines at Crawford River are stimulated by the chilly surrounds, to slowly ripen parched little berries with a concentration of flavour and the most elegant tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon is the primary black grape, meagre harvests of intensely flavoured fruit, layered with perfumed boysenberry and cassis richness. The holy trinity of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, framed by a measure of refined French oak, its velvetine plum and bramble nature makes Crawford River the perfect match to osso bucco or pink lamb.
Parcels of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Franc, are all hand picked and destemmed. Fruit is crushed and the musts are left to macerate for a spontaneous vinification through the action of wild, indigenous yeasts. Ferments are treated to regular hand plunges for optimal extractions. One component is sent for an extended term of maceration, another is richly barrel fermented for richness, mouthfeel and complexity. Upon completion, batches are gently pressed into a selection of seasoned and new French oak barriques for a course of natural malolactic in the following spring and twelve months maturation, followed by a coarse filtration prior to bottling.
TASTING NOTES
Deep garnet colour. Luscious wafts of boysenberries, baking spice and blood plum introduce a lively, fruit driven wine. A balanced, mouthfilling palate is brought into focus with bright, refreshing acidity and a taut edge of mineral refinement. Feminine, subtle oak in support, complementing the fruit and enhancing the gentle spice. Excellent persistence to the finish.
Wines by Crawford River
More About Crawford River Wines
Inspired by its potential to produce superior quality grapes, John and Catherine Thomson planted their vineyard in 1975 at Crawford River, in south west Victoria, a relatively unexplored wine growing region
Crawford River is located in the Henty winegrowing region on the Upper Hotspur Road between Hotspur, on the Casterton/Heywood Road and Condah, along the Henty Highway, half way between Hamilton and Portland. The winery is less than an hour from Port Fairy, Dunkeld, Portland and Mt. Gambier in South Australia. The beautiful cellar door building added in 2000 was designed by Graeme Gunn. Visitors can drink in the glorious views of the vineyard that sweep down to grazing cattle and sheep as they sample the wines. Crawford River»