2023 Wantirna Estate 'Hannah' Cabernet Franc - Merlot 750ml
*We offer Free Shipping over $300! (Excl. NT)
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
-
Consistently praised as one of the Yarra Valley’s most elegant Cabernet Franc–Merlot blends
-
2023 noted for purity, fragrance, and refined structure
-
A favourite among collectors of small-production, artisanal Australian wines
Technical Information
-
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
-
Producer: Wantirna Estate
-
Blend: Cabernet Franc & Merlot
-
Alcohol: ~13%
-
Oak: French oak barriques (limited new oak)
-
Style: Medium-bodied, fragrant, elegant
-
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.
🚛We offer Free Shipping for orders over $300 to All States (excl. NT).
🛻We offer Free Local Delivery for orders over $200 to nearby areas.
(Local Delivery option will appear at checkout if your address is within the eligible delivery range, basically 15-20km delivery radius)
It typically takes 1-3 business days to process orders before dispatch. Delivery usually takes 1-7 business days depending on your location. We’re doing our best to get your order to you as quickly as possible!
*Delivery times may vary depending on your location and the shipping method selected at checkout.
For Pre-Order Items:
Orders containing pre-order items will be shipped once all items are ready, ensuring a single consolidated delivery. Customers can expect their orders to be dispatched promptly upon product availability. Our pre-order products are generally ready for dispatch within one week of order placement.
Tracking your order:
You will receive a confirmation email containing a tracking ID and a link to follow the journey of your package once we fulfill your order.
Please allow 1 to 3 working days for the tracking information to show.
Wrong address disclaimer:
It is the responsibility of the buyer to make sure that the shipping address entered is correct. We do our best to speed up processing and shipping time, so there is always a small window to correct an incorrect shipping address. Please contact us immediately at sales@craftrepublic.com.au or 0456 948 270 if you believe you have provided an incorrect shipping address.
Returns:
Please refer to our Refund Policy for further information on how to make a return.
Lost/Stolen Packages:
If your tracking information states that your package was delivered to your address and you have not received it, please report it to your respective shipping carrier at the information provided to you on our Tracking Page. If you have any further questions or need further assistance, please reach out to our customer support team at sales@craftrepublic.com.au or 0456 948 270.
Pre-order products are typically available for dispatch within one week of order placement.
Most pre-order items are ready to ship within a week of purchase. If your order contains a pre-order item, we’ll hold your order until everything is ready so you receive all your items together. Don’t worry — we’ll dispatch your order as soon as possible, and you’ll have your wines in hand shortly after!