Purple Palate

David Franz has a self-perpetuated reputation for being both a larrikin and an experimentalist. His wines, however, have a seriousness that puts them right at the forefront of modern Barossa. Parcelled from western Valley fruit for complexity and balance, this straight Cabernet has deep notes of olive, blackcurrant and sweet earth, under a veil of savoury vanilla and regional mocha. Released at five years of age in Franz's typically charming bottles, it is already trim and firm, sitting softly on the palate. There's buckets of quality fruit and enough structure to put it away for some time yet, with every reason to believe that its depths hold worthy secrets. -Ed.