Wantirna Estate, one of the Yarra Valley’s earliest boutique vineyards (est. 1963), is renowned for its artisanal winemaking, old-vine fruit, and Burgundian-inspired approach to detail. The estate has long been family-run, and each wine is named after a member of the Brown family’s next generation. Hannah, the Cabernet Franc–Merlot blend, represents Wantirna’s most fragrant and elegant expression — highlighting the estate’s mastery of Bordeaux varieties in a cool-climate setting.
Vineyard
Located in Melbourne’s eastern outskirts, Wantirna Estate benefits from ancient alluvial soils, gentle slopes, and a cool, moderate climate. The Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines used for Hannah are some of the oldest plantings in the region, producing low yields of intensely aromatic fruit. Hand-picking, meticulous sorting, and thoughtful canopy management ensure purity and finesse. The estate’s focus on sustainable and minimal-intervention viticulture results in wines that faithfully reflect place and vintage.
Vintage
2023 was a cool and extended growing season in the Yarra Valley, marked by slow ripening and excellent acid retention. Conditions favoured Cabernet Franc and Merlot exceptionally well, allowing flavours to develop gently while preserving floral lift and structural definition. The resulting wines show precise aromatics, fine tannins, and beautifully layered fruit — a standout year for Wantirna Estate’s Bordeaux-inspired blends.
Winemaking
Small-batch fermentation, gentle extraction, and élevage in French oak (a restrained portion new) allow the fragrance and texture of these varieties to shine. Each parcel is vinified separately before blending, ensuring harmony between Cabernet Franc’s aromatic lift and Merlot’s plush mid-palate. Minimal handling and gravity flow reflect the estate’s artisanal philosophy.
Tasting Notes
The 2023 Hannah opens with alluring aromas of redcurrant, mulberry, raspberry leaf, violets, graphite, and gentle cedar spice. The palate is medium-bodied, elegant, and finely textured, offering silky red fruit, savoury herbs, and a subtle earthy undertone. Cabernet Franc contributes floral lift, spice, and precision, while Merlot lends suppleness and warmth. Fine, powdery tannins and bright acidity create a long, graceful finish. Charming now, with the balance to develop further complexity.
Critics’ Acclaim
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Consistently praised as one of the Yarra Valley’s most elegant Cabernet Franc–Merlot blends
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2023 noted for purity, fragrance, and refined structure
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A favourite among collectors of small-production, artisanal Australian wines
Technical Information
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Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
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Producer: Wantirna Estate
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Blend: Cabernet Franc & Merlot
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Alcohol: ~13%
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Oak: French oak barriques (limited new oak)
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Style: Medium-bodied, fragrant, elegant
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Drinking Window: 2024–2034+
A Collectible Gem
The 2023 Wantirna Estate Hannah Cabernet Franc – Merlot is a beautifully fragrant, polished, and expressive Yarra Valley classic. Produced in tiny quantities and increasingly sought after, it represents the perfect blend of heritage, finesse, and artisanal craftsmanship.
