Stinson Vineyards, Monticello (Virginia) Cabernet Franc 2023 ($33)

Stinson is a family-owned winery, located 15 miles northwest of Charlottesville, Virginia. Virginia is known for its Cabernet Francs, and this style is a favorite for many locals. Cabernet Franc is also notoriously hard to ripen which can lead to pyrazine notes in the wine. This is not the case for this Cabernet Franc. Stinson’s 2023 vintage is fully ripe, light bodied, and elegant. The wine is nicely balanced, both with fruit and earthy notes but also with tannins and acidity. Stinson Vineyards takes after the French garagiste style, a term popularized in the mid-1990s for French winemakers starting up newer ventures with updated winemaking styles in Bordeaux. Like many garagiste wines, Stinson’s Cabernet Franc is ready to drink now but has the balance for further aging, if your cellar space and patience permit.
90 Vince Simmon