Good luck beating this Cabernet Franc for the price from anyplace. This exceptionally tasteful wine has it all — aroma, flavor, texture and finish — but all in balance and in a restrained profile at an amazing price. Medium-bodied, as I’d hope for (as I can buy Zinfandel if I want meatier wine), it shows very precise Cab Franc aromas with a lovely leafy edge that doesn’t tip over into anything vegetal or pyrazine-driven. Pure and fresh, with essentially no overt wood influence (but no grapey character either), this is a model of varietal character with a notable terroir signature from Colchagua in Chile. The blend includes 6% Carmenere and 3% Petit Verdot. Amazing for the money, and excellent without regard to cost.
Calcu, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Cabernet Franc 2016
By Michael Franz