Description

Matt from Blood Moon suggested the Airlie Bank Franc when I was looking for replacements for the depleted Blood Moon Eruption (I got some more!). I was expecting a nice wine, that might be a bit simple. But I got a lot more than that! It is juicy and silky like great Loire Franc. It is riper though, and fragrant. Red fruits, red liquorice, a hint floral. The palate is well balanced, the tannins and acid are barely noticeable. It is charming and perfect for drinking young. Although the bottle sat open for 4 nights and showed no sign of falling over. Still, drink this Airlie Bank Franc over the next 2 years. Pair with some lamb chops.

Airlie Bank is the second label of Punt Road Wines. This is the team’s way to flex their creative muscles.

Yarra Valley 

A region that is just too big to generalise about. The difference between Upper and Lower Yarra can be the ability to ripen some grapes or not. Great wines are made in the Yarra but it is best to know the producers.

Cabernet Franc

Is actually one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon… along with Sauvignon Blanc (oh! The name makes sense now!).  It is most famous for being the third most important grape in quality Bordeaux. But also excels in the Loire Valley (where it lived before it went to Bordeaux), especially Chinon and Saumur. The wines are bright red in colour, highlight aromatic with raspberries, rose petals, violets along with tobacco, cassis and some herbal elements. The best examples can live as long as any great wine.