2023 Corymbia Cabernet Franc

Region: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

Grape: Cabernet Franc

Culinary Suggestions: Grilled Beef, Spaghetti Meatballs, Casseroles

Vineyard Practice: Organic, Vegan

About

Corymbia is the deep-rooted, far-sighted vision of husband-and wife-team, Rob and Genevieve Mann. The Mann name is synonymous with Western Australia’s Swan Valley, where Rob’s pioneering grandfather Jack worked a remarkable 51 consecutive vintages for Houghton. Rob was just a boy when he joined his father - former Australian test cricketer Tony – in planting the vines on what is now the dry-grown, organically farmed Corymbia vineyard.

Rob was one of the crop of hotshots at Hardys during the reign of Stephen Pannell, before Rob himself took the mantle of senior winemaker at Hardys Tintara. From there he established a name for himself as one of the great talents of his generation during his time at the helm of Cape Mentelle. Genevieve, meanwhile, worked in South Africa, France, California and South Australia prior to moving to Margaret River in 2007 in the role of winemaker for Howard Park. The two of them kicked off their homecoming dream, Corymbia, with the 2013 vintage, during Rob’s tenure as estate director at Newton Vineyards in Napa Valley. Now firmly ensconced back in the Swan Valley, Rob and Gen’s Chenin Blanc and Tempranillo-dominant red blend were the start of the story and sit at the heart of the story. But in 2019 they added a dazzlingly pure, elegant single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River. With typical pluck and nous, the Manns have revitalised with acute attention to detail the Calgardup Vineyard, just 2km inland from the famous Redgate Beach. The result is a crystal-clear signal of the bright future that lies ahead for this brilliant duo. - Distributor Note

Tasting Notes

Calgardup Vineyard. So good of Corymbia to bottle a straight CF. 50 dozen made.

Ripe raspberry, cherry pip, pomegranate juice, aniseed, grilled hazelnut, mint and seaweed. Medium-bodied, a smoky umami kombu thing happening here, tang of blood orange, and yet a juicy raspberry energy which is so compelling. Hazelnut skin tannin, nutty and flavoursome on a finish of excellent length. Some sun-dried tomato here too, but gee, it’s a wine of specific character from a great vineyard. Saline. Savoury. Dry and ‘minerally’. Very good.

94 points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front February 2024

Drink: 2024 - 2030+