2023 Adelina Smith Cabernet Franc, Clare Valley

Organically grown fruit from the Smith family vineyard in Polish Hill. A juicy, bright and genial red of popping red berry fruitiness, minty herbal notes, black pepper, a touch of rhubarb and some light, woody spice notes. A little haze to texture, some crunch in flavour, a bright, blood orange tang in the freshness zone. It needs time to flesh out to get more serious, and it should mature well, though drinking now is all about joy and freshness.

93 points Mike Bennie winecompanion.com.au

Adelina Smith Cabernet Franc is a rare and compelling example of this variety grown in Clare Valley, produced in minuscule quantities by the talented duo of Col McBryde and Jennie Gardner. Named in tribute to Col’s late grandmother, the Smith Vineyard sits just a stone’s throw from the historic Wendouree vines in Spring Farm. It’s dry grown, organically managed, and deeply expressive of its site, planted on classic Clare terra rossa soils over limestone.

This is Cabernet Franc in its purest form—fragrant, structured and completely untamed by excess oak or overextraction. The fruit is handpicked, wild fermented, and aged in old French oak, allowing the variety’s natural aromatics and shape to shine through. Col and Jennie favour a light-touch approach, focusing on texture, lift and savoury nuance rather than weight.

The nose is captivating: violets, mulberry, pomegranate, wild herbs, and hints of red capsicum and graphite. On the palate it’s medium-bodied but full of character, with fine dusty tannins, crunchy acidity and a long, herbal finish. There’s a sense of clarity and poise here that’s rarely seen in Australian Cabernet Franc.

It’s a superb match for roast pork with fennel and garlic, grilled eggplant, or chargrilled lamb with salsa verde. Drink now with a decant or cellar for 8 to 12 years to see the earthy, savoury notes evolve further.