Bodega Benegas, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Franc 2021

 I have been a big fan of new world Cabernet Francs where winemakers aren’t afraid to use some oak in the aging process to provide complexity and depth to the wines.  Bodega Benegas Cabernet Franc sees about six months in French oak, providing subtle vanilla and sweet tobacco notes to the Cabernet Franc’s red fruit, red bell pepper, and tart red licorice notes.  The resulting wine easily over-performs for its $20 price point, making it a crowd pleaser and one that doesn’t need any further aging.  That said, I still recommend giving this wine 30 minutes of air, which will make all the difference before serving a glass to your friends.