I loved the penetrating aromatics and floral, blueberry, and menthol notes of the deep ruby/purple-colored 2002 Cabernet Franc. The blend is actually 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. The flamboyant fragrance jumps from the glass In this sweetheart of a wine. There is tremendous concentration and intensity of Flavor, yet the wine is light on its feet, with a surreal, ethereal flavor profile. Cabernet Franc can do some special things in California, and it is good to see this wine perform so well. Already drinkable, it should last for 10-15 years.

Good deep ruby red. Fresh, sweet aromas of blueberry, camphor and green tea. Juicy and penetrating, with strong acidity to balance the very ripe fruit. Complicating note of tobacco. Finishes with broad dusty tannins and excellent length.

The 2002 Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County, $56, contains 25% merlot and was aged in French oak for about 18 months. It has aromas of candied raspberry introducing medium bodied flavors of red fruit; cherry, raspberry, and plum all with a chalky note and laced with moderate tannin. A super ripe style with lots of extraction and significant alcohol, it is a balanced, structured, and integrated wine to match with ribs and burgers. Drink it now and finish the bottle the day you open it. Very Tasty!