Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc

The king of varieties. Cab provides the backbone to the greatest red wines of all, from Bordeaux, giving them the acidity and tannin structure to improve for decades. It's a haughty, aristocratic beast, however, and the complex cassis and cedarwood flavours can take years to come through, which is why 100% cabs are rare in Bordeaux. Most take 5, 10 or more percent of merlot or another variety, hence most of our cab is actually in Cab Blends. Many in this section are actually more approachable, new-world styles that retain that essential personality whilst being more approachable when young. But be in no doubt; you're in the presence of greatness here. Cab will dominate any blend, and will fiercely retain its personality wherever it's grown. Cab Franc is perenially labelled the 'other' cab, but forms the basis of some the the finest claret of all. Further north in the Loire valley it makes some wonderful lighter, summer fruit-driven reds around Chinon.