BALLENTINE VINEYARDS CABERNET FRANC - 2003

This is the first in a series of six wines and five varietals from Ballentine Vineyards that I am reviewing. The Cabernet Franc Pocai Vineyard is made from Napa Valley Estate Grown grapes. The wine is fined with egg whites to polish the mouthfeel and add structure and aged in the bottle six months prior to releasing.

TASTING NOTES:

This traditional Bordeaux varietal has a dark hue and distinct flavors of earthy minerals on the palate. Of the six wines I tasted from Ballentine, this one seems to have best captured the vineyards unique "terrior" with a solid herbal finish and comforting toasty, berry richness.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

87 PTS
Cabernet Franc is an acquired taste, but this particular wine is crafted in such a way that those unfamiliar with the grape's eccentricities will find it alluring. Although Cabernet Franc tends to make a much better contribution to wine when it is used in meritages or Bordeaux blends, this is a pretty enjoyable effort that I recommend trying. However, at $24 a bottle, it is a bit pricey.