Cabernet Franc Wine Tasting Notes

2002 Ironstone Sierra Foothills Cabernet Franc Reserve Score: 89.0 This is a backwards Bordeaux-style blend using 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot to support the predominant Cabernet Franc. It's a lush wine, but not flabby, with juicy blueberry and cassis flavors on the front palate, melting into an earthy-smoky finish. The tannins are unobtrusive. It's perfectly suited to tomato sauces and meatballs. A great food wine for current drinking, though it'll last a few years if you're curious. 1997 Thomas Mitchell Southeast Australia "Cabernet 40%, Shiraz 30%, Cabernet Franc 30%" Score: 89.0 "Though only 40% of the wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, the cassis-like character of that grape plays a dominant role in this wine, along with a touch of spice. Medium body, moderate tannin, dry on the palate with a tart mouthwatering finish. The acidity and structure of this wine allow it to pair well with fish, while the weight and fruit make it ideal for duck or even venison. " 1996 Peju Napa Valley Cabernet Franc Score: 87.0 "Cabernet Franc is used in blending to give Bordeaux and California Cabernet Sauvignon a bit more structure and spice. On its own its a big, muscular wine with a flavor like blackberry reduction with some smoke and licorice notes in the background. Chewy, with a firm tannic structure, this is a wine that can be enjoyed now with tomato based sauces, lamb or game, but would benefit from another 5 years in the bottle. " 1996 Beringer Third Century Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Franc Score: 89.0 "My loss is your gain. I had to evaluate this wine now, when it is really designed for longterm aging. Its a medium-bodied though dense wine, balanced, with full well-integrated tannin, blackberry fruit, peppermint, licorice and some earthy components. Rated as to current drinkability, its quality will really show with another 7 to 10 years in the cellar." 1994 The Bergkelder estate La Motte [South Africa] "A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc," Score: 92.0 " this is a marvelous wine, complex, supple, packed with black currant and blackberry flavors, as well as nuances of toast and spice from the French oak. Perfect balance, smooth texture and firm structure. Great now, Id love to put aside a case and see how it will age over the next decade. A first rate bargain at $15."

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