Radford Dale “Higher Purpose” Cabernet Franc, Ben Radford and Brit Alex Dale, Stellenbosch 2024

The estate is the brainchild of Aussie Ben Radford and Brit Alex Dale who crossed paths in Bourgogne and later in South Africa. They eventually set up the Radford Dale estate in 1998 in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. Ben returned to the Barossa Valley but Alex remains to continue the tradition of producing excellent wines from vineyards located in the Devon Valley (3ha) and Helderberg Mountain (4ha).

Vivid and focused with brisk cherry and raspberry fruit as well as some herbal hints and a fine spiciness, as well as some sweet acidity. There’s a chalky note in the background that’s really appealing, and typical of the variety. This is supple and quite elegant with nice precision. Not a big, heavy wine, but one that shows nice poise.

Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc

Organic