I hosted a Cabernet Franc tasting earlier this year, and I am still sorting through my notes on 47 different wines from all over the province. I was fortunate to have the Bench Trial wines included in my panel. Currently operating as a virtual winery they have a 2010 and 2011 Cabernet Franc for sale through their website (http://www.benchtrialwines.ca/). Both wines have great labels and names the 2010 called Subpoena and the 2011 called Testimony. Subpoena has a label that once opened up looks like an actual legal document. Pretty labels aside the wines are also very good.
2010 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc “Subpoena” – $40.00 – Winery Only – **** – Even though for most wineries in Niagara the wines from the stellar 2010 vintage have come and gone it is nice to find a few releases here and there. What is remarkable is that the tannin in this wine is still firm and the wine is still very young. The flavours are rich Raspberry, Blackberry, Plum and Currant with woodsmoke in the mix as well. If you decide to drink this now decanting is a must but I would age this for another 5-10 years.
2011 Bench Trial Cabernet Franc “Testimony” – $35.00 – Winery Only – ****1/2 – This is easily one of my new favorite Cabernet Francs. This wine is elegant and fruit driven, but still has very nice structure and aging potential. A cooler summer in 2011 brings some raspberry to the mix with dark cherry, plum and blackberry. There is a nice subtle savory note on the finish of this wine that has it begging to be paired with beef or lamb. Nice acidity and still firm tannin will let this age gracefully for 3-7 years.
