28/06/2025
Deep Dive:Australia’s Best Red Wines With a White Accent- 2024 Yayoi ‘Frérot’ Cabernet Franc Nouveau
Named in the top six by Dudine, Mills, Moresco, Fielke and Sokolin, this playful-yet-serious wine – labelled as a straight cabernet franc but made with a ‘splash’ of chenin blanc – had the panel enamoured with its charm and aromatic lift. Dudine likened it to “a big kid’s dream,” bursting with “Iced Vovo, fairy floss, red jam,” and leesy, doughy complexity, trailing into “gravel-esque tannins” and an “apricot-esque finish.” Mills called it “very pretty” with “rose petal, red currant, Red Frogs and jubey confectionary,” admiring its bright, sweet-fruited personality, supple texture and easy drinkability. Moresco highlighted its “wild cherry, raspberry cheesecake and soft leather,” with a “mid-palate that’s airy, intentionally restrained” and a finish that left her wanting another sip. “A beautifully made wine that favours elegance over power,” she concluded. Fielke found “blueberry pie, vanilla, marshmallow and crunchy red apple,” noting the contrast between the “creamy, lifted nose” and the “bright palate.” Sokolin praised its hibiscus and cherry fruit core, observing, “It would please someone looking for a more recognisable red wine profile … It’s versatile – keep some bottles in the ice, others on the table. No meal choice on this flight – it’s chicken and it’s beef.”
I have dug out the last 5 dozen that out from the cellar available on my website or message me direct.
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Available by the glass…until poured out!
