2007 Cabernet Franc, Gallery Collection

Winemaker�s Notes:

Cabernet Franc is one of the major red grape varieties in the world. It is used extensively in Bordeaux wines as a minor component along with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec and blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, the major player of that region. In the Loire Valley, on the other hand, especially in Chinon it plays the major role where Cabernet Sauvignon takes the back seat. Wines made in Chinon are light to medium bodied and are made for consumption within a few years of vintage.

Ninety five percent of the grapes used for this Cabernet Franc came from our Estate vineyard. Contrary to the Cabernet Franc that grows in Bordeaux and the Loire, our Cabernet Franc has a deep red color and abundant in refined tannins making this wine full bodied. We blended this Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon for complexity and structure. This wine was bottled under our Gallery Collection label which is used exclusively for our club.

This wine was made in small open top fermentation tanks and aged in French oak barrels for a full year. The aromas are dominated by black currant and cassis accented with cedar and cocoa. On the palate exotic flavors practically explode in the mouth, making the aromas feel understated. More dark fruit and dark chocolate carry to the finish adding mocha, tobacco and cedar. This well structured full body wine has a perfect balance. While the wine is enjoyable right now this is a wine to be stacked away for a generation.