2020 Batič Cabernet Franc, Vipava Valley, Slovenia (750ml)

The 2020 Batič Cabernet Franc from Slovenia’s Vipava Valley shows striking purity and poise. Aromas of wild raspberry, crushed herbs, and graphite unfold with air, joined by subtle notes of tobacco leaf and violet. The palate is vibrant yet silky, with fine-grained tannins framing flavors of red currant, savory spice, and a hint of earth. A cool, mineral backbone and lifted acidity carry through a long, elegant finish—an expressive, biodynamically farmed take on Cabernet Franc that balances natural energy with quiet depth.

Primarily from the 52-year-old Jazbine vineyard in Slovenia's Vipava Valley, was farmed biodynamically with high-density planting (vines/hectare). Farming practices focused on extreme manual labor, utilizing spur-pruned vines, vertical shoot positioning, and no chemical pesticides, opting instead for a "physics-based cropping system" using hot, high-speed air to maintain vine health. After macerating for 10 days, it then spent 24 months in barrel. Apart from topping barrels, nothing else was done until bottling, without clarification and without filtration during the waning of the moon.