David Franz Cabernet-Shiraz ‘Alexander’s Reward’

The palate is rich, structured, and deeply fruited, opening with blackcurrant, mulberry, and dark plum. Cabernet brings a firm, graphite‑like line and a sense of drive, while Shiraz adds plush dark fruit and warm spice, giving the wine both power and generosity. The mid‑palate is dense yet balanced, showing layers of cassis, cocoa, and subtle dried herb, supported by fine, long tannins that feel polished rather than grippy. There’s a quiet cedar and dark‑chocolate undertone that adds savoury depth without overwhelming the fruit. The finish is long, dark, and confidently structured, tapering with notes of blackberry, cassis, spice, and a faint earthy warmth, suggesting the wine still has plenty of evolution ahead.