Northstar Columbia Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Northstar Columbia Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $24.64-$34.99, 89 points, poured inky black except for a deep purple/red near a narrow clear wine ring and a lightly draped glass bowl.
The smoky black grape aroma dominated hints of blackberries, sandalwood, and tobacco.
Full-bodied with good acidity and silky layers of tannin carried flavors reflective of the aromas with plum and black currants deep into the long spicy finish; the 14.5% alcohol was warming.
Paired fine with our teriyaki beef with Shiitake mushrooms.

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Valdivieso, Colchagua Valley, Single Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Franc (Chile)

Valdivieso, Colchagua Valley, Single Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Franc (Chile), $20.99-$23.99, 88 points, poured an opaque sienna color with a bleeding clear wine ring.
Smells of earth, mint, and black raspberries were okay.
Medium-plus body with fair acidity and a soft underlayment of tannin burst forth fruity, but thinned mid-palate, then began the rich flavors of leather, earth, ripe black raspberries, cola, and black olives.
Finished fair on the fading palate with hints of tobacco, warm spices, and a well-balanced 13.5% alcohol.

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Le Grand Bouqueteau Chinon 2016 Cabernet Franc, Loire, France (Cabernet Franc Day?)

Le Grand Bouqueteau Chinon 2016 Cabernet Franc, Loire, France, $13.59-$17.99, 88 points, poured dark ruby grading bright purple/red toward the broad clear wine ring.
Profuse black grape aromas along with blueberry and a toasty herbaciousness were good.
Mild and medium in almost every aspect; mellow fruitiness with herbal spiciness and a tad of café is my surprisingly swift summation of this very bright and fresh Cabernet Franc red wine of good value, and which fans of light Merlot and/or Beaujolais will find quite appealing.
Paired well with my rare spiced-rubbed filet mignon.

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Cabernet Franc (International), Just in time for Cabernet Franc day.

Cabernet Franc (International)

is, I think, a logically short list, mostly France, where it is usually a blending red wine for Bordeaux, but in the appellation of Chinon, Cabernet Franc excels, and though not well known in New Hampshire (it can be a bit tough to find here), but does occasionally show-up in the local wine stores; such as it is, they add to my short list of reviewed Cabernet Franc wines found outside of the USA, tasted and reviewed.

Cabernet Franc,

the father of Cabernet Sauvignon:

 

Antucura ‘Barrandica’ 2019 Cabernet Franc (Argentina), $16.14-$18.99, 90 points

Château De Ribebon Bordeaux Supérieur 2016 Cabernet Franc, $21.99-$54.99, 90 points (France)

Fincao Los Aljibes Vino De La Tierra De Castilla 2007 100% Cabernet Franc, approximately $18.00, 92 points (Spain)

Le Grand Bouqueteau Chinon 2016 Cabernet Franc, Loire, France

La Madrid Mendoza Single Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Franc, $10.19-$22.99, 88 points (Argentina)

Penley Estate Coonawarra, Australia, 2020 Cabernet Franc, $16.99-$19.99, 88 points

Stratus 2010 Cabernet Franc (Canada), $25.49-$29.99, 87 points

Valdivieso, Colchagua Valley, Single Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Franc (Chile), $20.99-$23.99, 88 points


Cabernet Franc (USA)
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Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2015 Chardonnay

Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2015 Chardonnay, $16.99-$21.99, 91 points, poured a medium glossy gold color.
Aromas began with bright sweet apple notes, after-that-rain smell, and a whisper of vanilla fading toward a shy floral neutral grape.
Medium-bodied with good acidity carried a lovely balance of oak, citrus, and melon flavors.
Finished long on the trailing palate, star fruit, ginger, a bit flinty, and a well-balanced 14.1% alcohol.
Paired okay with my North Atlantic Halibut, but shined with my mustard and spiced rubbed bone-in pork loin chop.

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Antinori "Pian delle Vigne-Vigna Ferrovia" 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva D.O.C.G.

Antinori "Pian delle Vigne-Vigna Ferrovia" 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva D.O.C.G., $53.99-$58.99, 95 points, poured red garnet grading ruby with a broad clear wine ring and glass bowl of moderate draping.
Aromas of cherry fruit, sandalwood, violets, earth, mint, and marjoram were excellent.
Tea, tar, and tight tannins wrapped around an appropriately acidic medium-plus body accented with floral cherry flavors.
The protracted finish of warm red pepper and a typically intense 14.5% alcohol were nevertheless garnished with mint, black tea, and cherry fruit.
Paired perfectly with my roasted veggies and meatballs in a marinara sauce.

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Folie en Provence Côtes de Provence 2016 Rosé

Folie en Provence Côtes de Provence 2016 Rosé, $10.39-$12.99, 88 points, poured a medium Salmon pink color.
Aromas of strawberry and hibiscus were shy.
Dry, light-bodied, appropriately acidic, and highlighting straight forward flavors reflective of the aromas with a hint of Marshmallow Peanut Candy were delicious; this palate carried deep into the finish with a hint of watermelon, and a spot-on 13% alcohol.
Paired well with my Mexican cuisine. I bought this wine at the Whole Foods of Bedford.

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