2005 Rubicon Estate Cabernet Franc

Specs:

2005 Rubicon Estate Cabernet Franc

Napa Valley

California

14.3% Alcohol

78% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon

$56.00

http://www.rubiconestate.com/flash.php

Notes:

Cabernet Franc isn't usually my go to varietal as it tends to lack alot of flavor and complexity. This grape is usually a blending agent in wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is often added in small doses to add acidity and spice to these sometimes fruity varietals. When I opened this bottle I wasn't really sure what to expect as this wine is a little over 3/4 Cab Franc. Upon first smell and taste I knew I had been wrong about this bottle.

In the glass the wine is a deep garnet and almost opaque in the glass, with rich crimson around the edges. On the nose the aromas are intense and lush. Scents of red and black fruit like cherries, blackberries and raspberry stand out as the fruit while vanilla, cigar box and baking spices round out the bouquet. On the palate the wine is silky-smooth and round. The tannins and acid balance one another out extremely well which adds to the velvety mouthfeel. Flavors of ripe red cherry, oak, tobacco, and cloves mirror the aromas on the nose. The wine is powerful and full of flavor and complexity with a long finish and lingering aftertaste of oak and cherry. This is a beautiful wine from a quality producer who consistently puts out beautiful estate wines; the eye for detail is evident in this perfectly balanced Cabernet Franc blend. This wine will do well with aging up to 10 years however if perfect to drink now. It will only get better.

As far as food pairings, this can be enjoyed solely on its own or paired with heavy meats and game. Italian fare like short ribs with tagliatelle or hearty tomato dishes would compliment the bold favors.