Stinson Vineyards, Monticello (Virginia) Cabernet Franc 2019

 In most locations around the world, it can be difficult to ripen this variety to the point where the pyrazines that produce green characteristics fall into balance with the fruit.  That’s not at all the case here, where a very attractive red berry nose leads to tightly wound palate with a fair amount of charred oak that promises to resolve well.  The pepper character is deep, but it doesn’t lean into greenness at all.  I would age this a few years or decant well for full enjoyment.  It’s one of the best red wines I’ve tasted from Virginia of late, and it comes in at a fair price.  Well done!  Contain 5% Petit Verdot.