TN: 2006 Babcock Cabernet Franc (USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley)

  • 2006 Babcock Cabernet Franc - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Ynez Valley (9/5/2009)
    An enjoyable wine, but not exactly a ringer for Cabernet Franc - in fact, Cab Franc would almost be my last choice if trying to pick a varietal in a blind tasting. A bit of green pepper comes through on the nose, which is dominated by rich red fruits, oak chips, and baking spices - that’s the last of the Cab Franc-ness in this wine. On the palate, it has a more substantial mouthfeel than the lighter color would suggest, and more of the rich red and black fruits come out, quite sweet, no tannic structure, but some acidity - enough to help create a finish that is quite good, actually, bringing out more of the fruit structure. I miss the earthiness and vegetal components of Cab Franc when I’m opening a bottle and expecting them, but in all this is a good wine - easy to drink without food, and with a good long finish. It’s just not ‘Cab Franc’ to me…

For the $13.00 I paid, I’m pleased, however. (89 pts.)

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