Cabernet .... Franc?

What do you think of when someone says Cabernet Sauvignon?
Big, bold, noble, powerful, elegant - "the king of red grapes"!
And, what do you think of when somebody says Cabernet Franc?
Eh ... maybe nothing at all.
Ok, I'll admit Cabernet Franc is no Cabernet Sauvignon.
That's like comparing, say, a White Castle hamburger to a dry aged New York strip.
But guess what?
I like White Castle hamburgers.
And I also like Cabernet Franc.
Cab Franc is one of the five grapes used in making the great wines of Bordeaux. It is also often used in red blends in California, Washington and really, all over the world.
The Right Bank of Bordeaux uses Cab Franc as its "lead" blending grape.
Further north in the Loire Valley (still in France) Cab Franc is the ONLY grape used to make wine in the regions of Chinon, and the lesser known Bourguell.
Anyway, right around now you may be thinking:
Tom .... Shut up already! What does it taste like?
Here are some tasting notes from a fantastic Cab Franc we have at Balabans:
2007 Nicholson Jones Cellar Arts Napa Valley Cuvee - $35
70% Cabernet Franc/30% Cabernet Sauvignon
The nose opens with cedar and old wine barrel aromas, then unleashes notes of savory baking spices.
The flavor packs intense red fruits of strawberry, raspberry and plum with hints of mint and lavender.
Doesn't that sound delicious?
Believe me - it is.

Tom