2021 Cabernet Franc- Grimsby Hillside Vineyard

The 2021 vintage started warm and sunny, and stayed that way through most of the summer. The fall, and harvest itself were incredibly tricky, with rain events throughout making it a challenge. However, the cool conditions in Grimsby/Winona allowed for perfect ripening and “hang-time”, allowing this Cabernet Franc to achieve its full potential. On the nose blackberry, mulberry, and raspberry lead, followed closely by tobacco, sweet basil, and tomato-leaf. Cured meat, cigar-box, cocoa and cumin round out the details. The palate shows lovely balance but is a bit more brooding, with blueberry appearing along with cassis and blackberry playing off leather, tobacco, smoked-sausage and a mossy/brambly character the underpins the whole wine. This is quintessential Cabernet Franc from one of the coolest parts of Niagara. Great older vines and awesome terroir have given this wine an intense gravelly/stony character, with exquisite finesse and balance that matches the firm but powdery tannins giving it immense aging potential. We continue to raise the bar for Cabernet Franc in Niagara, and this is another great example that can easily age 8-10 years.