Cabernet Franc Blend

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2014

Broke out one of my cellared Raffaults for my homeboy who graced me with a home cooked Tuscan styled flank steak w rosemary & arugula, as well as Israeli cous cous w chickpeas, charred tomatoes, feta, & herbs. Light Cadmium red hued & strong color though ( good cork- not a guarantee w Raffault!); dense Hibiscus, fresh raspberry & some bramble on nose; on palate very clean & smooth mouthfeel, with the initial flavors repeated but a deeper blend of red fruits & a stronger presence of under brush. Super fresh & integrated. Elegant, & the Burgundy echo was hard to ignore. Not Uber complex but not monolithic either, which this line of Raffault can be in its youth ( or as it ages). Very impressive, & accessible now. Curious how my ‘02 & 07s will fare… — 17 days ago

Owen Mazon
with Owen
Ira, Pinotman and 8 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Peter Sultan I am always surprised this is not on more restaurant wine-lists given the price to quality ratio.
Peter Sultan

Peter Sultan Influencer Badge

I have no evidence other than anecdotal but I suspect bottle variability- both from my experience and from what wine stores have told me. I imagine too it’s a tricky wine to sell given it can really shut down for periods. But all guesses @Ira Schwartz …..

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2023

Massive wine. Seems to be built for the long haul. — 10 days ago

Jan, Freek and 3 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2015

85% Cab Sauv and 15% Cab Franc from Italy. Drinks on the more mellow side compared to a big California Cab. — 25 days ago

Shay, Juan and 14 others liked this

Continuum

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Paul J
9.5

PnP. Better than the Overture in my opinion. Much deeper and more complex. Ample dark fruit with bramble and some minor CDP elements. Very deep with a medium plus finish. — 7 days ago

Tom, Paul and 4 others liked this

Realm Cellars

The Bard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Ok I just think the Tempest is a bit more refined but that was questioned/debated. I stand by my assessment. Magnum — 2 days ago

Shay, Andrew and 3 others liked this

Opus One

Overture Napa Valley Petit Verdot Blend

Paul J
9.4

PnP. Bordeaux like with more fruit and less earth/wood. Velvety texture but lighter and thinner than expected. Wouldn’t turn down a glass. — 7 days ago

Tom, Paul and 3 others liked this

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1989

Shows a little bit of funky, faint Brett aromas, flavors are rich, dark-fruited, and more youthful than the ‘86 Mouton which we also opened, long, lingering finish, very fine!! — 6 days ago

Jim Powers
with Jim
Tom, Ron and 12 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2012

Deep purple color. Aromas of blackberry, forest floor, graphite and dark chocolate. Delicate, soft wine, blue and black fruit on the palate, balanced wine.

🏅 97 Points - James Suckling
🏅 96 Points - Robert Parker
🏅94 Points - Decanter
— 3 days ago

Bob, Ted and 8 others liked this

Pahlmeyer

Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2009

Treated to a proprietary red en mag after our tasting at Pahlmeyer. Enjoyed the 2018 better. — 6 days ago

Billy and Andrew liked this