2016 Moorilla Muse Cabernet Cabernet Franc, Southern Tasmania

From St Matthias Vineyard in Tamar River. An impressively affordable introduction to the wonders of Tasmanian cabernet. Ripeness is always the game in this space, and this is an exemplar. At 5 years of age its blackcurrant and cassis core is integrating impeccably, with a strong backdrop of firm, fine tannin structure that promises another decade of potential yet. Drink by 2031.

94 points Tyson Stelzer winecompanion.com.au

Moorilla Muse Cabernet Cabernet Franc is a beautifully layered and quietly serious wine that shows just how refined Cabernet can be in Tasmania’s cool southern climate. The vineyards sit in the Derwent Valley just north of Hobart, where long summer days, cool nights and constant maritime breezes from the River Derwent allow Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc to ripen slowly and evenly. These conditions build intense aromatics, fine natural acidity and a graphite like structure that gives Tasmanian Cabernet its distinctive elegance. The Moorilla estate itself has a fascinating history, founded in the 1950s by Claudio Alcorso and now part of the MONA estate, yet still dedicated to small batch, terroir driven wine. The Muse range represents the most site expressive wines from the property, crafted with minimal intervention to let vineyard and season take centre stage.

The wine pours a deep ruby with bright edges, opening with complex aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, bay leaf, cedar, dried herbs and a subtle floral lift from the Cabernet Franc. On the palate it is medium to full bodied yet beautifully poised, delivering layers of cassis, red plum and savoury spice wrapped in fine, chalky tannins that glide rather than grip. There is a cool climate energy running through the wine, with fresh acidity and a long, mineral edged finish that keeps it lively and elegant. It is a wonderful partner for roast lamb, beef, duck and mushroom based dishes, and it will continue to evolve gracefully for ten to fifteen years, developing notes of tobacco, forest floor and leather as it matures.