2020 Cabernet Franc - Grimsby Hillside Vineyard

Reviews:93 PTS Rick Vansickle Wines In Niagara

Tasting Notes:The 2020 vintage started warm and sunny, and stayed that way well into harvest, allowing us to hang the grapes late into the season, giving plenty of time to fully ripen.  On the nose blackcurrant, mulberry, raspberry and blackberry immediately appear, followed quickly by tobacco-leaf, sweet basil, cured meat, cigar-box, cocoa and cumin. The palate shows lovely balance but is a bit more brooding, with blueberry appearing along with cassis and blackberry playing off leather, tobacco, smoked-sausage and a mossy/brambly character the underpins the whole wine. This is certainly the fullest and richest Cabernet Franc we have produced, however great older vines and awesome terroir have given this wine an intense gravelly/stony character, with exquisite finesse and balance that matches the very present tannins giving it immense structure and agebility.  We continue to raise the bar for Cabernet Franc in Niagara, and this is another great example that can easily age 8-10 years. To drink now, decant well in advance and the wine will really unfold for you!