Description

Vintage 2023 – available soon.

Gorun Winery | Pchelina | Iskar River Valley

Provenance and terroir
Cabernet Franc 2023 comes from Gorun Winery’s vineyards, located on black soils on chalky loess substrates with excellent drainage and deep water reserves. The airy topography and the constant air currents from the valley of the Iskar River create a natural regulation of the vineyards and favour a uniform phenolic ripening.
The limestone component and trace element-rich chernozem in the soil build structure and mineral precision, while the loess contributes finesse and aromatic purity. Deep rooting (moisture at 80-100 cm) ensures persistence and natural concentration in the grapes.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage is characterized by a good balance between sugar ripeness and preserved freshness. Phenolic ripening is achieved without over-ripeness, allowing the development of a ripe tannic structure while preserving elegance.
Vinification
Hand harvesting and strict selection, short cold maceration and long post-fermentation to extract flavour and colour. Alcoholic fermentation under temperature control. Moderate extraction for finesse, not aggressive structure. malolactic fermentation in a controlled environment. Once fermentations are complete, aged approximately one year in inox on fine lees, then 12 months in 225 L French barriques. Precise barrel selection to build a wine with structural depth but without weight – concentrated but elegant.
Aromatic Profile
Complex and multi-layered nose. Ripe tones of black cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant intertwine with classic varietal green pepper, graphite and subtle spiciness. From oak ageing, nuances of cedar, roasted almond and delicate cocoa develop, adding depth without dominating the fruit.
The aromatics are clean, focused and with a clear varietal character.
Taste and structure
A full-bodied, concentrated and balanced wine with a ripe, velvety tannic texture. The oak is integrated and contributes volume and structural harmony. The finish is long, persistent and complex, with hints of spice, nut nuances and a mineral accent.

Potential: 10+ years of development in a bottle.

Philosophy
Cabernet Franc for us is not just a variety, but a strategic choice and a long-term vision. It demonstrates the region’s potential to create wines of depth, elegance and international presence.

Professional Reviews
Beth Willard:
From the first aromas, it’s clear that this is a serious wine. A restrained and finely built Cabernet Franc that reveals delicate red fruit, green pepper and seductive smoky nuances. The palate is subtle and elegant, yet concentrated, with blueberry and black pepper. Irresistible right now, but will continue to develop elegantly over time.
Decanter:
A concentrated, serious and complex terroir example of Cabernet Franc with pronounced notes of plum, well-integrated oak, elegant tannins, tight acids and a very long and elegant finish indeed. A very stylish wine.
CA&TA:
Medium-intense ruby color with sparkle; complex nose with crushed red pepper, red berry, ink and juniper; cherry and subtle smoke; medium-bodied, supple tannins and rich flavors that support the nose; long, spicy finish.

Awards/Honors:

Vintage 2020- Gold Medal from Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 (95 points), Double Gold Medal from BIWC – Romania 2023, Gold Medal and Grand Diploma of Honour Vinaria 2024.; 5 stars in the catalogue CA&TA 2024.

Vintage 2021- 93 pts. silver medal from Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

Vintage 2022- 5 stars in CA&TA 2025 catalogue, 95t. Beth Willard, 90t. Decanter 2025.

Cabernet Franc Reserve 2020 – Named “one of the best wines” of the variety for 2023 by Decanter magazine (London) in a special publication on the occasion of International Cabernet Franc Day – 4 December.