Dilworth and Allain Cabernets 2023
The Wine
A blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were harvested in early April, de-stemmed and placed in vats to await fermentation. During fermentation, daily pump-overs and rack-and-returns were done to enhance maceration and encourage oxygen exposure. After fermentation, the grapes stayed on their skins for two weeks, resulting in a total maceration of five weeks. They were then basket-pressed and transferred to oak barrels, aged between 2 and 5 years, with no new oak used. The wine was then aged in barrels for 12 months, with regular topping, before being moved to tanks - no fining or filtering.
The wine offers a refreshing twist on the style, with aromas of red berries, licorice, earthy tones, and fresh tobacco. The palate is vibrant with acidity, balanced by tannins, showcasing red fruit flavors and a satisfying earthiness. A wine that works well with food with hints of Anjou Rouge!
Pic 2: Chris Dilworth at Thecluse 22 Oct 25
The Details
Variety - Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
Country - Australia
Region - Victoria
Sub Region - Sunbury
Extra - Cork
Year - 2023
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker 
Chris Dilworth and Loique Allain established their small négociant style business in 2017. They now have a small winery in Leonards Hill. Working with vineyards across the Macedon Ranges and surrounds, they produce around 1,000 dozen annually. Based in Daylesford with their young family, they’re deeply connected to the region’s creative and growing community.
Chris grew up in hospitality, in his family’s Sydney restaurant the Incinerator before the family moved to a farm in the Hunter Valley, where they grew fruit and a small vineyard. After his first vintage in 2007, he completed a Viticulture and Winemaking degree at the University of Adelaide. His experience includes work with Dean Hewitson, Castello dei Rampolla(Tuscany), Dominique Lafon both in the Macon and Meursault (Burgundy), Morilla Estate (Tasmania), and five years as winemaker at Eastern Peake.
Loique is an artist and printmaker, raised in the Adelaide Hills and Victor Harbor. With a Fine Arts Honours degree from the University of Tasmania. Loique’s artistic practice is grounded in a deeply lived experience of art and its role in culture. Her passion for wine grew while living abroad in France and Italy, where she worked for Paul Pillot and Bernard Van Berg.
Dilworth and Allain's winemaking is inspired by the living culture of wine, the art of fermentation, and the shared experiences of travel, art, and hospitality. Their wines reflect a thoughtful and expressive approach to both place and process.
