2020 Little Frances Classic Dry Red

Old-school Barossa Cabernet Shiraz blend? Not really... more gentle, accessible and fine-boned.
4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

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Sale price$35.00
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Description

Cabernet-dominant small batch blend made by Erin Pooley from the Light Pass area of the Barossa.

A traditional style maybe, but this superb release is no hark-back blockbuster. It has a lightish, savoury frame where the blackberry/ blackcurrant fruit is encased in some chiselled, dusty tannins.

Took its time to open up, but was still singing after being open for 3-4 days.

This classic dry red is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz from Knights Family Vineyard in deep soils of the Light Pass region in the Barossa. The dry North Para River snakes through this vineyard, enclosing it on all sides like a protected oasis for the grapes to thrive.

Bottled fresh and full of options. Drink within the year to maximise the wild blackberry fruits and crushed bay leaf tannin. Leave it open a few days to unlock it’s true potential.

A little bit about the 2020 vintage. Due to the persistent fires on Australia's East Coast (and then again in California a few months later) there are only two Little Frances wines in 2020. As the saying goes; when life give you lemons... make classic Barossa Shiraz. I have endless gratitude to my good friendAlex Head for helping me to gain access these special sites and never not pushing me to make the best wine possible.

Region: Barossa Valley, SA
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Shiraz (20%)
ABV: 14.20%
Closure: 750ml
Bottle Size:
Production:

93 Points - "From the Knights Family vineyard. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz from a vineyard in Light Pass. I believe winemaker Erin Pooley has returned home from California, and will make wines from the King Valley, though due to smoke issues in that region in 2020, gained access to some Barossa fruit with the help of the ever affable Alex Head.

This wine feels informed by a slightly different sensibility than is normal with Barossa wines. Crushed blackcurrant and blackberry, a fine leafy and floral perfume too. Medium-bodied, juicy, but full of fleshy shale-like tannin, no discernable oak, black olives, freshness and energy, and a ripe small berried finish of excellent length. What a delight to drink. Beautiful wine. Highly recommended." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

Customer Reviews

4.5
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 1 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
2 reviews
  • SS Profile picture for S S.google logo
    S S.
    Verified Buyer
    3 years ago
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    Good fruit

    Great modern barossa

  • DK
    david k.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    3 years ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Lovely smooth red

    A lovely rendition of the 'quintessential Aussie blend' - medium bodied with blackcurrant and black olives prevalent.

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Little Frances

Little Frances was established in 2012 by Aussie ex-pat Erin Frances Pooley, who set out to make the wines she loves to drink from Californian grapes.

Enamoured with the nuance and intrigue of aged white wine (and missing Hunter Valley Semillon from home), Erin started Little Frances in 2012 with just 200 cases of Semillon from a high altitude vineyard in Northern California, farmed by the 3rd generation growers.

Her range has grown to include more whites, in the form of Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon/Semillon blends and a terrific Merlot that we fell in love with. The wines are made with a soft touch - purity and site expression being the focuses of her approach.

Winemaker Erin Pooley - California, USA Little Frances

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