4th Saturday Group brown bagger (Mark & Rochelle's): My first time with the 2003. Aromas of dark fruit, herbs and vanilla. The palate follows the bouquet. Tannins have softened nicely but it's on the simple side and really doesn't stand out as Franc. The finish is on the short side as well. I've enjoyed other vintages quite a bit, but this bottle was disappointing by comparison. 86-87 pts.
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Not sure if I have ever had a better bottle of Cab Franc. Everything seemed fully integrated and in perfect harmony - secondary flavors were starting to appear, but without being overly oxidized or leathery (for my taste). Still very dark in color with little to no bricking on the edges. Nearly a dead ringer for a cab sauv, but a touch more feminine. Wish I had more.
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The biggest cow pasture nose I've ever encountered; Great structure; Big finish; Big typical CA style; Earthiness; Dark crimson nose; Score is impacted by the nose
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Very complex and interesting nose...less floral this time around, with strong basil and eucalyptus notes, black olive, nail polish, cassis, and mocha. Mouthfeel is luxurious...smooth, rich, and sweet on the palate...excellent body with seemingly low alcohol. Wood is only hinted at in the background. 30 second finish. Complex and impressive.
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Rich and opulent. Very dark color. A fair amount of oak on the nose and in the mouth. Needs a little time to integrate. Round, full mouthfeel. Fairly fruit forward-dark fruits.
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VA rich dark color. Violets, mocha, oregano on the nose. Dark cherries, herbal nuances, dark chocolate, moist tobacco leaf, very smooth mouthfeel, with fine sweet tannins on the finish. Bright, complex, and rich. Needs some time to shed a little wood.
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11/30/2019 - ledocq wrote:
Tom G said he thought this vintage wouldn't be long-lasting. Trust the wine-maker.
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11/29/2019 - ledocq wrote:
Past its prime.
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7/25/2015 - AllRed wrote: 86 Points
4th Saturday Group brown bagger (Mark & Rochelle's): My first time with the 2003. Aromas of dark fruit, herbs and vanilla. The palate follows the bouquet. Tannins have softened nicely but it's on the simple side and really doesn't stand out as Franc. The finish is on the short side as well. I've enjoyed other vintages quite a bit, but this bottle was disappointing by comparison. 86-87 pts.
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12/5/2014 - Cow Town Likes this wine: 95 Points
Not sure if I have ever had a better bottle of Cab Franc. Everything seemed fully integrated and in perfect harmony - secondary flavors were starting to appear, but without being overly oxidized or leathery (for my taste). Still very dark in color with little to no bricking on the edges. Nearly a dead ringer for a cab sauv, but a touch more feminine. Wish I had more.
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4/12/2013 - EMichels wrote: 88 Points
Enjoyable first night - definitely modern California but lively enough to pull it off; Unfortunately, plodding by second night
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11/12/2009 - EMichels wrote: 89 Points
The biggest cow pasture nose I've ever encountered; Great structure; Big finish; Big typical CA style; Earthiness; Dark crimson nose; Score is impacted by the nose
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10/3/2007 - Haltermr wrote: 92 Points
Very complex and interesting nose...less floral this time around, with strong basil and eucalyptus notes, black olive, nail polish, cassis, and mocha. Mouthfeel is luxurious...smooth, rich, and sweet on the palate...excellent body with seemingly low alcohol. Wood is only hinted at in the background. 30 second finish. Complex and impressive.
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10/29/2006 - irish87 wrote: 92 Points
Rich and opulent. Very dark color. A fair amount of oak on the nose and in the mouth. Needs a little time to integrate. Round, full mouthfeel. Fairly fruit forward-dark fruits.
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8/18/2006 - Erik R. wrote: 92 Points
VA rich dark color. Violets, mocha, oregano on the nose. Dark cherries, herbal nuances, dark chocolate, moist tobacco leaf, very smooth mouthfeel, with fine sweet tannins on the finish. Bright, complex, and rich. Needs some time to shed a little wood.
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