2012 Cattail Creek Cabernet Franc – Winery Only – $29.95 – “We never meant to make this wine” is written on the back of the bottle. I had an opportunity to taste this wine in barrel last summer and even back then I knew something special was being made. This is one of the best Cab Francs I have ever had. Beautifully structured with black plum, blackberry and currant underneath firm tannin. Decant this wine for a couple of hours prior to serving if you decide to crack a bottle now. This wine has big ageing potential and should last 7-12 years in a cellar easy. Ideal food pairings are slow roasted prime rib, pepper steak or nothing … let’s be honest this wine is meant to be enjoyed on it’s own.
As if this Cab Franc wasn’t exciting enough, I also had the opportunity to bump into the new winemaking staff at Cattail. Steve Byfield of Nyarai Cellars and Coffin Ridge will be adding his talents to Cattail. Ramsey Khairallah graduate from Niagara College is joining Cattail via Dunham’s Run Winery in New Brunswick. I am eagerly looking forward to seeing what new Small Lots might come out of the barrel cellar starting this fall.
