Category Archives: Cabernet Franc

Notre Histoire, Bourgueil AC, Domaine de L’Oubliée, Loire, France, 13% abv, 2011

This is a wine made by Xavier Courrant who used to work in Paris as a wine retailer.  In 2009 he purchased 6 ha of vines (five Cabernet Franc and one Chenin Blanc) in Bourgueil near Saint-Patrice and went to … Continue reading

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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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