88 2006 Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve 7/10/09 ($23)
13.5% alc
Color: Medium red cherry. Deep for VA Cab Franc. (3.0) Bouquet: Sweet black cherry, plum and cassis with subtle forestal nuances and some cedar. Rich, but not at all heavy. (3.0) Body: Tart acidity complementing very good fruit and some structure. Could have a richer texture and be less tart, but balanced. Middleweight. (2.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but a little tartness comes into the fruit. (2.5) Finish: Parallels bouquet. A little lean, but nuances linger. (3.0)
Overall: A balanced, medium-bodied, food-friendly wine with very good varietal character and some complexity in the mix. Very enjoyable with the bouquet being particularly impressive. Has very good flavor intensity for its body and weight. Somewhere in-between a Cab Franc from the Loire and a lighter-styled St. Emilion, easy to drink. Probably at its best now and in the next few years. (14.0)
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