From one of the best of the next generation of Aussie winemakers! Serious, complex Cabernet from winemaker Peter Lehmann's son, David Franz, who uses his mother's maiden name to prevent confusion — but you can tell that his father's style rubbed off on him....

David Franz Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Barossa Valley, Australia $42
We Bought a Bunch $32.99
What the Wine Critics Thought: Wine Enthusiast 92 Points
This wine gets 14 months oak aging, and two and a half years of bottle age; this is the current vintage. Hats off to Franz for making a completely different sort of Barossa Cabernet. That it's under 13% alcohol is just the tip of the iceberg; there's cola, black pepper and plum flavors, and aromas of spice and leather. Feels fresh and spry, but its age has also given it hints of maturity. — D.T.

What We Thought: About as elegant and finessed a Barossa Cabernet as you are likely to find. Fragrant, spicy, brambly dark berry nose and a full-bodied, ripe blackberry palate that exhibits notes of blueberry and black pepper all supported by some ultra supple tannins. Seems to combine the weight of Barossa with the complexity of a Bordeaux. Well done.

October 18, 2006