Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2009
Price: Suggested retail is $27.00 (purchased for $20.00)
Date Tasted: 7/29/2012
From The Winery: 13.5% alcohol, 101,500 cases produced (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 6% Syrah, 1% Malbec)
Impressions/Notes: I sampled Franciscan Estate’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon at a winemaker’s dinner earlier this year and really enjoyed it. Being three glasses in by the time that I reached this one, any chance at a focused evaluation was out the window. Luckily, I found it on sale for $20.00 a couple of weeks ago and got a second chance to retry it. Medium-to-dark purple in color, with a nose that’s loaded with black cherry, dried herbs, tobacco, and menthol. Oak flavors and aromas compliment the fruit nicely and bring a pleasant sweet spiciness to the wine. I noticed some moderately powdery tannins this time on the back palate, while the alcohol and acidity were well-integrated. Sturdy, concentrated, and focused, this Cab is an impressive bargain and a real pleaser.
Rating: Recommended/Highly Recommended (88-92), 4/5 Value