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Somos Wines

2021

Cabernet Franc

McLaren Vale - Australia
Shelf Talker Spec Sheet Wine Label Bottle Image

About

A little bit of Loire and a little bit of the Vale and striking that balance between Chinon leafiness and McLaren Vale intensity is the key here. The 2021 vintage in McLaren Vale has been called one of the best of the 21st century. Growing season temperatures were overall higher than in recent years, but nighttime summer temperatures were cooler than average, creating helpful diurnal swings and drawn out ripening. Attentive farming kept the leaf cover in check to protect the grapes from the heat when needed and then plucked to expose the grapes just before harvest, intensifying the tannins. The vineyard is located on the crackling clays of Willunga and while the area is renowned for its Grenache, picking Cabernet Franc on the early side brought a gentle weight to the early picked grapes.

The grapes were picked in two waves, one early and herbaceous, one later for generosity, blended to make one complete wine. The first pick was in early March and the second the last week of March. The lots were destemmed and fermented separately in open top fermenters without additions and hand plunged twice daily. The first lot was pressed off after seven days on skins while the second spent closer to one month. Both pressed lots were aged in old 300L French barrels. Malolactic fermentation occurred naturally and a small amount of SO2 was added. After nine months in old barrels and semi-frequent battonage, the wine was racked to tank and bottled with a small sulfur addition.

Stats

  • Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
  • Vineyard: Slate Creek Vineyard - grown by Jock Harvey & Liz Pitcher
  • Vine Age: 30-years-old
  • Soil Type: Crackling brown & red clay
  • Viticulture: Sustainable – Certified Sustainable Australia Winegrower
  • Fermentation: Native - open top stainless steel fermenters (100% destemmed)
  • Skin Contact: 10 days
  • Aging: 9 months in seasoned 300L French barrels
  • Alcohol: 13.7%
  • Residual Sugar: 1.9 g/L
  • pH: 3.50
  • Total Acidity: 5.32 g/L
  • Total SO2: 91 ppm
  • Total Production: 130 cases
  • UPC: 9350675000258

Tasting Note

Dark berry meets light mocha red of easy drinking. The gist of the wine is casual drinking with some spicy personality amongst slurpiness, sweetish fruit, and green herbs. Huge yes for drinkability and interest.

Press & Reviews

James Suckling

91

"Singular sourcing picked across two passes for ripeness and freshness. A mid-weighted expression, successfully combining florals and pulpy pastilles with a fine structural lattice of lithe, leafy tannins. Aromas of damson plum, pickled cherry, ume, root spices, tomato leaf and menthol linger long in the finish, with the well-positioned oak a mere signpost. This is delicious drinking. Drink or hold."

- Ned Goodwin, MW
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Producer


Somos Wines

Region


McLaren Vale

Country


Australia

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