Cabernet Franc

Great value in Loire Cabernet Franc. Purple in color with ruby swirls, mostly clear and bright.  The nose has nice black cherry fruit with some strawberries.  Medium bodied.  Very accessible.  On the palate, more black cherry fruit. Nice finish.  This drinks very easy.  Nice on  its own, this would work nicely with roasted chicken.  Drink over the next three to five years.  

Beautiful showing for this wine.  It sees a year in large used oak and chestnut barrels and then another year in stainless before release.  Ruby  in color with a light purple core, mostly clear and bright.  The nose has black cherries, with cigar tobacco.  Medium bodied.  Very smooth texture.  Light tannins.  On the palate, black cherry fruit with some tobacco.  Nice depth and complexity as it unwinds in the glass.  Long finish.  This will be better with hearty foods such as Lamb Stew.  Drink over the next eight to twelve years.  

This is the top of the line from this top producer of Loire Cab Francs. The vineyard dates back to the 1930's. It showed well, but not as special as one might hope. Does it need more time? Who knows. Is it in a dumb phase? Possibly, but that seems unlikely. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is nice with black cherry fruit, a cola note and slight chalk. Medium bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, black cherry fruit with slight tobacco note and slighter sorrel. Nice finish. Seems to be drinking well now and should continue for another eight to twelve years.

Ruby in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries with a bit of a cough syrup quality.  medium bodied.  On the palate a very slightly sweet black cherry fruit.  Some depth and complexity.  Nice finish.  This is an easy drinking wine that will be a nice choice with a burger.  Drink over the next seven to ten years.  

Ruby/purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black cherries, slight black pepper, slight chalk and a hint of cigar tobacco.  Medium bodied.  On the palate, layers of black cherry fruit with some chalkiness.  Silky texture.  Nice finish.  Tasty.  Drinking well on its own, it will work better with food.  Drink over the next ten years.  

In a recent tasting of Loire reds, this was the run away winner.  100% Cabernet Franc.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose  has black cherries, slight cedary notes and chalk.  Silky texture.  Medium to full bodied.  On the palate, the black cherry fruit comes thru with some underlying chalk.  Deep.  Light tannins.  Long finish.  Delicious.  This is nice on its own and would  work nicely with grilled meats or roasted veggies.  It may still improve a bit but should drink well for another eight to twelve years.  

This is 100% Cabernet Franc from the difficult 2014 vintage.  Ruby in color with a purple core.  The nose has black cherries with slight coffee.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  This is probably a bit past peak but still drinking well.  Nice depth.  Good finish.  The wine will work better with food.  Drink over the next couple of years.  

This is Cab Franc from Uruguay!  Purple/ruby in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose has cherries, bell peppers, tobacco and slight chocolate.  Medium bodied.  Light to medium tannins.  Lovely texture.  On the palate, this has juicy acidity.  Black cherry fruit with underlying char.  Long finish.  Blind, I would have guessed it from the Loire Valley.  Drinking well now, it should continue for another eight to ten years.  Nice on its own but better with food.  This would be a perfect wine with (Veggie) Burgers off the grill.  

A very nice Cab Franc and a nice value.  Purple in color, some ruby, opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, slight cigar box, slighter bell pepper, and spice.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Good balance.  On the palate, black cherry fruit with some tobacco and slight bell pepper.  Good finish.  Drinking well and should continue for seven to ten years.  Nice on its own, this will work well with Lamb Stew.  

This is a blend of 42% Cabernet Franc, 42% Merlot, and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Impressive showing.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is tight at first but opens to show black cherries, cherries, chocolate, and brown tobacco.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  Wonderful velvety texture.  On the palate, this is delicious with black cherries, iodine, blueberries and crushed leaves.  Complex.  Still not fully mature but getting there.  Long finish.  No harm opening now, but another five to eight years and this might get a 100 score.  Great on its own, it will take big food right