Grevin Cabernet Franc 2006

Grevin Cabernet Franc 2006

We very much enjoyed this Grevin Cabernet Franc 2006 from our wine club.

It had a fresh-smelling nose of pine and celery and tastes of vanilla and caramel.

We’ve sometimes thought that Cab Franc by itself is a bit much — not enough fruit and not an easy quaff — but we found this Grevin quite nice and quite easily drinkable.

Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc (2004)

Ironstone Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2004This Ironstone Cabernet Franc 2004 is interesting. I can’t say that I love it or that I would want to have it again, but it is because of my personal taste, not because the wine is inferior. I have been letting the wine breathe and it has mellowed, making it taste better now then it was 20 minutes ago. It is a translucent purple in the glass. The nose gets better with air — at first it had a musty aroma — but after breathing it is fruity. The taste, at first, was sharp and acidic. But, after breathing it is balanced with medium body, blackberries, and cherries and quite tannic.

My recommendation is to open this bottle about 20 minutes before it is served. My opinion went from “I don’t like it” to “Mmmm, this is pretty good” after letting it breathe.

2003 Uva Negra Cuvee Martina

Uva Negra Cabernet FrancA lovely red color, this Uva Negra Cabernet Franc from Argentina flaunts lovely aromas of oak, coffee, vanilla and coconut. On the palate, I taste cherry, raspberry and sweet pepper. Tannins are powerful. with a velvety finish. An absolutely lovely wine! I would rate this as excellent.

Uva Negra Cabernet Franc

Uva Negra Cabernet FrancWhat an interesting wine.  In researching this wine, I have discovered that the Cabernet Franc is a dark blue grape variety that is often compared to the cabernet sauvignon. Sure enough, this red is tannic, herbal and spicy. I think the aroma is different than a cabernet — the herbs and spices are much more prevalent in the franc than a sauvignon. There is a vanilla and graphite finish. I think it is fabulous. I love the strong, assertive bouquet and the aggressive tannic finish. Totally yummy. This Uva Negra Cabernet Franc is a keeper!