Askerne Cabernet Franc

Ey up! Named Askerne after the spa town of Askern in Yorkshire, northern England. It’s the hometown of co-owner Kathryn Loughlin but these days she calls home Hawke’s Bay, where you’ll find the Askerne winery and vineyard.

Ee-Ba-Gum (as they say in Yorkshire) – the gum trees that feature on the label are a prominent feature of the Askerne vineyard.

A boutique, hands on producer, these guys dabble in making a little bit of everything – Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Semillon, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Barbera, Carmenere, Mourvedre, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot.

This is a real beauty and super buying for a little over twenty bucks. Aged for 12 months in French oak (25% new), it’s all red fruits and spice, succulent and smooth chocolatey tannins.

Drink now to 2027.