New York Cork Report

• By Lenn Thompson
  1/8/2009 (link) 3 out of 5 stars

  (Billsboro Cabernet Franc) This lighter-styled red pours a medium-light ruby and almost looks like a pinot noir. A few swirls are all it takes to wake up a nose that is earthy and spicy with cinnamon and allspice sprinkled over fresh red cherries, strawberries and a little briar. Light bodied and extremely smooth, this wine has bright cherry and red raspberry flavors with more of that cinnamon spice and hints of earth. With a little time in the glass, flavors of anise and herbs join the fray. It's a little soft, but not overly so, with enough acidity to work well with food. Some people probably won't love this wine because they are so used to big, hulking wines that knocks you over the head. Instead, it wraps its lithe arms around you and teases your senses.