A different take on Villányi – Rácz Miklós Tamás Cabernet Franc 2017

After the unusual Pinot noir (reviewed here), an even more surprising Cabernet Franc from young talent Rácz Miklós Tamás. A Cabfranc without oak, from the home of over-oaked red wines? I’m sure fellow winemakers think Miklós is crazy, but in my opinion this wine is as close to terroir expression and elegance as you can get, from this variety in this region.

Purity and balance are key here. Leafy Cabfranc notes, green peppercorn and graphite. Dried cherries and a touch of leather hinting on the sunny climate, lending an almost Tuscan character to the wine. Medium-bodied, unforced, the structure is almost Burgundy-like. Neither heavy nor lean, the balance is great. Pleasantly restrained, it does not try hard, yet does not lack details.

Rating: very good, 89 points.
Price: 3600-3800 HUF (11-12 Euros), retailers are Zwack, Bor és Más and Borfalu Bortéka.
Value: great.
Tasted: August, 2019.
Alcohol: 13.5%.
Source: I bought it at Borfalu Bortéka (a little shop close to Hősök tere, in Budapest).
Drinking window: 2019-2024.