Review: Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021

Let’s get stuck into the sample pile for 2024, eh!

The Terre à Terre Crayères Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021 is Xavier Bizot & Lucy Croser’s Wrattonbully Franc, sourced from the close-planted, low-trellised Crayères Vineyard. You know what? The Franc from here is often the most interesting wine. There’s 9% Shiraz in the blend, too, which I don’t mind at all. Anyway,t this coiffed, silken, slick and clever, treading a Cab Franc line that sits between some Right Bank Bordeaux heavyweight and a fresher mod Cab Franc style.

I like it.

Redcurrants, a leafy peppery streak, and oak tannins. It feels a bit unformed, a bit too young and oak-rich, but this has quality lines. It’s a pup, with a just-released-from-barrel richness, over the top of the full-bodied and quite tannic raspberried palate. Could it be better with a little less ripeness? I dunno, but there is plenty to like for the dollars here.

THE VERDICT

• Best drinking: probably later. Come back in 5 years and be rewarded
• Score (out of 20): 18
• Score (out of 100): 93
• Alcohol %: 14.5
• RRP (in $AUD): 34
• Winery website: https://terreaterre.com.au/
• Would I buy it?: worth a few glasses.