Imagery Estate Winery, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Franc 2016

 This deeply colored wine looks in the glass like just another Cabernet Sauvignon, and though there’s hardly anything wrong with that, what actually emerges from the glass is admirably distinctive as Cab Franc and entirely delicious.  Its varietal character shows aromatically with scents of dried herbs, spices, and summer rain on warm concrete.  The flavors are even more exciting, with blackberry fruit accented by undertones of cocoa powder and vanilla, with firm tannins that are nicely balanced against the bright, punchy fruit.  A Platinum Award winner at the 2019 San Diego International Wine and Spirits Challenge.