2005 Chateau Franc Grace Dieu
Purchased from a customer this year for $19
Deep ruby color. Aromas feature plums and violets, with a faint hint of something agreeably green. The palate is medium bodied, nicely round but with good bracing acidity and a surprising abundance of ripe tannins. The flavors are red more than black plum, hints of cherry, a touch of spice, nothing green. This is in a good place, walking the line between firm and lush, with the finish tilting towards opulence, but with enough backbone for an invigorating finish. Rated 89.4, could improve up to a point in another year or two. I have two more, next one penciled in for next fall.
Dan Kravitz