The nose is quite fascinating. There is a tiny green bell pepper note that is familiar, but I smell cherry coke, strawberry, a bit of hay, some black pepper too. The palate was austere and super dry at first but it opened up after a while. I had a first glass before our evening meal and I can see a real difference with meat balls and brocoli in soy sauce. There is a good acid drive, some cherry cola and strawberry notes, a very soft and caressing mouthfeel, some gentle tannins in the rear, before a long, rather dry finish with the same fruit notes and a discreet final bitter touch. A rather lean, not extracted, fruity yet structured example of cabernet franc. I would not have guessed it blind as it's quite different from loire valley expressions I know. Good stuff, have it with food though.
The nose is quite fascinating. There is a tiny green bell pepper note that is familiar, but I smell cherry coke, strawberry, a bit of hay, some black pepper too. The palate was austere and super dry at first but it opened up after a while. I had a first glass before our evening meal and I can see a real difference with meat balls and brocoli in soy sauce. There is a good acid drive, some cherry cola and strawberry notes, a very soft and caressing mouthfeel, some gentle tannins in the rear, before a long, rather dry finish with the same fruit notes and a discreet final bitter touch. A rather lean, not extracted, fruity yet structured example of cabernet franc. I would not have guessed it blind as it's quite different from loire valley expressions I know. Good stuff, have it with food though.
Feb 21st, 2025
Napa Valley, California, USA
