Penley Estate 2017 Coonawarra Spring Release Cabernet Franc

There is a definite movement away from heavy, oaky reds to lighter, easier-drinking styles and talented new Penley Estate winemaker Kate Goodman has captured the zeitgeist here with a delicious drink-now cabernet franc (a grape variety we should be seeing a whole lot more of). This was early picked, wild fermented and stayed on skins for almost a fortnight. It is made with zero oak influnce, instead shining a light on the quality fruit. It is low in alcohol at 13% and was made with minimal sulfites. Not what you'd expect from Coonawarra but a bloody beautiful drink with an eye-catching label. Pity about the wax capsule and cork - but you can't have everything. $35. www.penley.com.au.