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Wine Details
Price:
$40.00 per bottle
Description:
Friends and fellow Cab Franc aficionados have been waiting for this. Last years winner of the Lt. Governor's "Best of the Best" award and born in the stellar 2003 vintage, the Benchmark Cab Franc 2003 has been wowing barrel samplers since it was made. Cropped at one ton per acre (most vineyards crop at 4 tons per acre) and grown by the lake, the wine exhibits depth and complexity that reflects all the advantages of the vintage. Barrel aged in 70% new French oak, the wine developed soft ripe tannins and loads of sweet dark fruit. Chocolate notes extend the finish and coat the mouth with goodness. Only 316 cases made. Lay this wine down and fondle affectionately for 5 years, sampling occasionally.
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Varietal Definition
Cabernet Franc:
Cabernet Franc is an accessible, spicy, herbal, dark blue grape variety that is often compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, although the two can be difficult to distinguish. Sometimes the French refer to Cabernets, which could mean either of the two grapes. Its typical aromas include an herbaceous and pronounced peppery nose, even in ripe fruit, and something eerily like tobacco. The Cabernet Franc ripens at an earlier stage, which gives it reason to exist in the Bordeaux area. In the Loire, where we find it a lot, it gives a clear red fresh and fruity wine.
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