New York Cork Report

• By Lenn Thompson
  1/2/2009 (link) 3.5 out of 5 stars

  (Wolffer Estate Vineyards Cabernet Franc Caya) This blend of 86% cabernet franc and 14% merlot shows ripe, intense blackberry and cassis fruit aromas on the nose, which are accented by vanilla, toasty oak and some dried plum layered beneath. Though perhaps a little less intense than the nose, the medium-bodied palate presents ripe black fruit flavors -- blackberry and black raspberry -- with a vein of toasty oak running through. There is good structure here with ripe, well-integrated tannins and some acidity (which would make this a good choice with food). There is an earthy, gravelly note that lingers on the long finish. On day two, a bit of spice started to peek through on both the nose and palate. I think that this wine will improve in bottle for at least 3-5 years.