2023 Gertie Cabernet Franc

95 ptsHALLIDAY TOP 100
A tiny-production, hands-off Cabernet Franc from Clare that’s all about perfume, texture and sheer drinkability.
5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
3 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$32.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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Description

This is small-batch Clare Valley Cabernet Franc from Ben Marx, made with care and a very light touch. Gertie Wines is Ben’s home project - he farms the vineyard with his family, keeps things sustainable, and only bottles what he genuinely loves. Everything’s done by hand, with no fining or filtering, wild fermentation, and a bit of whole bunch to build in some lift and structure.

The 2023 Franc is bright, fragrant, and really easy to like. There's red and black fruit, a gentle herbal edge, and just enough grip to give it shape without weighing it down. It spent a few weeks on skins after ferment which adds a subtle savoury twist, but it still feels fresh and open.

Only a tiny amount was made - about a barrel’s worth - so it won’t be around for long. If you're curious about what Cabernet Franc can do in Clare, this is a great place to start.

95 points
"Redcurrant, rosehip, spice and hazelnut with Earl Grey and herbal lift. Cabernet Franc speaks clearly—fresh, medium-bodied and beautifully drinkable."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

95 points - "Redcurrant, blackcurrant, rosehip, spice, hazelnut. Slight herbal top note. Medium-bodied, Cabernet Franc in strong voice here, a bit of liquorice, Earl Grey tea, light chew to tannin with a fresh finish of fine length. Beautiful wine. So nice to drink." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

95 points - "Winemaker Ben Marx is a dab hand with cabernet franc. From a cool vintage, a frisky rendering of the variety. This is all wild roses, cherry pip, rosehip tea, sage leaf, white pepper, sweet clove and is just so very excellent as an expression. Very refreshing and bright to taste, a crispness and fine shimmer of gossamer, powdered rock tannins there, too. A touch of blood orange and game meat through the finish. Cabernet franc by definition, with huge X-factor." - Mike Bennie (Halliday Wine Companion)

Customer Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 3 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 3 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
3 reviews
  • MM
    Matthew M.
    Verified Buyer
    5 months ago
    Reviewing
    2023 Gertie Cabernet Franc
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Spectacular wine - terrific value.

    A truly delightful wine, earthy and rustic but with sublime rose perfume. Medium bodies and truly luscious fruit. I'm back to order some more for my weekend dinner guests, to enjoy with cherry clafoutis at dessert!

  • JC
    Jason C.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    2 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Reviewing
    2021 Gertie Cabernet Franc
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Loire styling Cab Franc from the Clare

    Bright, crunchy, yum.

  • JA
    John A.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    4 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Reviewing
    2021 Gertie Cabernet Franc
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Hidden Gem

    Medium bodied, red and purple fruits, fresh herbs, a slight savouriness and some florals as well.

    Super fresh and vibrant yet has some real depth.

    Not many Cab Francs can straddle that line between fun and serious but Gertie have managed it.

    Excited to see what Ben does next.

Small production Cabernet Franc, from very special blocks in the Clare Valley.

Redcurrant and blackcurrant, exotic spices, rosemary and rosy perfume. Medium-bodied, delicious crunch of sappy fruit and spice, almost a milky feel, fine silty tannin, and this kind of rosehip tea perfume trailing on a lets-go-again finish.

A little bit of whole-bunch, a few weeks on skins post-ferment to build some structure and depth. Unfined unfiltered, and oh so limited.

Ranked in the top 100 Halliday wines of 2024.

Price Bracket $31 to $40
Type Red
Body Medium Bodied
Variety Cabernet Franc
Country Australia
Region Clare Valley
Australian State SA
Feature Natural/Lo-Fi
Reviewed By The Wine Front
Halliday Wine Companion
Critic Score 95
Alcohol 14%
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

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