Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Franc 2015

 Cab Franc is the Rodney Dangerfield of red wine, saddled with a reputation for green, unripe flavors.  That may be true in the cool Loire Valley of France, where Cabernet Franc struggles to ripen, but it’s a bad rap for California Cab Franc, where there is an abundance of sunshine.  The Mondavi Cabernet Franc, from an exceptional vintage, is a stunner.  This vintage offers an attractive floral note followed by ripe black fruits, a generous dose of savory wood spice and supple tannins. It has plenty of meaty heft, too, without losing its freshness.