 |
CHEESE PAIRING:
Brie
Brin d'Amour
Edam
Havarti
Emmentaler
Manchego |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
One of the grapes used in Bordeaux blends to help soften the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon, create more harmony and add fruitiness in those wines. It is occasionally bottled on its' own, traditionally in the Loire Valley of France and more recently in the Central Coast of California, New York, Italy and Chile. As is often the case, the French versions tend to be more austere and tannic than the New World wines, but they are also a great deal cheaper and more elegant. The area of Chinon is making lovely versions of this varietal and are a steal compared to equal quality Cabs and Merlots or their New World counterparts. This varietal benefits from a little bottle age, but is generally drinkable when young. Their acidity and softer tannins also make them very food friendly.
|
WHAT TO EXPECT: A medium-bodied, soft ruby red wine with mostly jammy red fruit aromas and flavors (raspberry). Can be quite floral (violet), vegetal (green pepper, leaves) or earthy depending on the climate grown with smoky and vanilla notes from the oak aging. As it ages the fruit goes from a bright sweetness to an almost dried/stewed characteristic. Best within 5-7 years of its vintage date.
|
 |
|
|
 | 2006 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc, North Coast, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Anglim Winery Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Cass Winery Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvée Terroir, Loire Valley, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Dark Star Cellars Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Domaine Filliatreau Saumur Champigny La Grande Vignolle, Loire Valley, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Domaine La Grange Tiphaine Bécarre, Loire Valley, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Halter Ranch Winery Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Les Hauts Lastour Coteaux du Quercy, Cahors, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 McKeon-Phillips Winery Reserve Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2004 Cass Winery Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2003 Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2003 Buttonwood Farms Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2003 Rio Seco Winery Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2002 Rio Seco Winery Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2001 Bedford Thompson Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2000 Bedford Thompson Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 1998 Stolpman Reserve Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: **** |
|
 
|
|
 |
|
 |
**** Outstanding | *** Delicious | ** Enjoyable | * Drinkable
|
|
