Category Archives: Cabernet Franc

Canoe Ridge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, 2010, 13.9% abv, US $20

I’m sure you’ve either had Canoe Ridge before or seen it on a shelf or restaurant menu. Canoe Ridge is one of Washington State’s largest wineries and is located in Horse Heaven Hills AVA, just north of the moderating influence of the … Continue reading

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Espero, Tulip Winery, Galilee, Israel, 2012, 14.5% abv

It pays to have relatives living on the opposite side of the earth when your interests include tasting and writing about wines made in esoteric styles, or in off-the-beaten-track wine countries, or from unusual grapes. Here we have a sample from Israel’s Tulip Winery … Continue reading

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Viader, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, 2001, 14% abv, US$80

The first thing Doug said when I met him was ‘I only drink vodka and Californian wines’.   Who says that?!  Then he sent me a bottle of Viader.  Now at least I understand the method of his madness – … Continue reading

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Il Fauno Di Arcanum, IGT, Toscana, Italia, 2008, 14% abv.

Oh happy day – a Supertuscan wine from the Castelnuovo Beradenga region of Chianti Classico that has been declassified to IGT status because it’s a blend of 62 Merlot, 23 Cab Sauvignon, 8 Cab Franc, 6 Sangiovese and 1% Petit … Continue reading

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La Croix de Chaintres, Domaine Filliatreau, Chaintres, Saumur-Champigny AOC, Loire, France, 2011, 13% abv.

Saumur-Champigny makes some great red wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pineau d’Aunis, but this wine is produced from the more prevalent Cabernet Franc grape. Cabernet Franc is a parent to Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and even Merlot, so it’s not … Continue reading

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Chateau Maison Blanche, Médoc, Cru Bourgeois, France, 2009, 14% abv, C$29

There’s no two ways about it.  Bordeaux is confusing.  What does Cru Bourgeois mean? You’ve probably heard about the Premier through Cinquième Crus – the famous First through Fifth Growths. The Premier level includes renowned chateaux Lafite, Latour and Margaux, … Continue reading

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Craggy Range Single Vineyard, Te Kahu, Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels, New Zealand, 2010, 13.5% abv.

Gimblett Gravels – try saying that 10 times over after a few glasses of wine. The area is renowned for its Bordeaux blends. Located in Hawkes Bay on the eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island, Gimblett Gravels is a … Continue reading

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Mission Hill Family Estate, Compendium, Okanagan Valley, 2008, 14% abv, $50

At 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, this classic Bordeaux blend or Meritage (rhymes with ‘heritage’) has been hand harvested and sorted and gravity fed into small French oak fermenting barrels. After fermenting for four … Continue reading

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Trine, Pepperbridge Winery, Meritage, Walla Walla AVA, Washington, 2009, 14.1% abv

Purchased back in March 2013 during a trip to Walla Walla and a visit to the winery, this wine made an appearance over Canadian Thanksgiving with friends, family and a chilli dinner. Clear and bright, ruby turning to deep purple … Continue reading

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Meritage, Clos du Soleil, Celestiale, Similkameen Valley VQA, BC, 2011, 13.4% abv

I’ve been waiting patiently for the delivery of my mixed case of Clos du Soleil wines via friends who made the trip to the Okanagan last week. One of the wines in this case is the Celestiale. The dictionary definition … Continue reading

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