Grapes for the Holden Manz Cabernet Franc Reserve 2021 were harvested in the first week of April 2021 compared with 19 to 24 March for the 2020 vintage. Fermentation took place using a mix of stainless steel tanks and barrels, employing wild yeast, followed by 22 months of aging in selected French oak barrels. Carefully chosen bunches from the Cabernet Franc vineyard underwent berry sorting before a five-day cold soak. The berries were then transferred to a blend of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels, 60% of which were new, for a slow fermentation process at low temperatures with wild yeast. After fermentation, the wine underwent 41 days of maturation. It predominantly features free-run juice with a portion sourced from the heart of the press. Bottled on 10 May 2023. Residual sugar: 3g/l. Bottled at 14%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: A subtly fragrant aromatic wine with mulberries, blackberries and raspberry leaf prevalent on the nose giving way to lavender and spice notes with just a whiff of tarragon on the palate. Enchanting red fruit nose.

Palate: Rich and elegant wine with predominant cassis and dark berries with red fruit notes on top. Well balanced savoury flavours with good volume and a mineral aftertaste. Wood is well integrated.

Finish: Oodles of richness and tension with a long finish.

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