Desierto Pampa, Cabernet Franc 2006, Alto Valle del Rio Colorado, Argentina

Tasting Note: Taste the first vision of single-varietal, hot weather, cab franc successfully realized by visionary Paul Hobbs long before cabernet franc became fashionable.

Don’t be fooled by the 2006 label, this cab franc is still but a youngster with many delicious days ahead of it to mature.

This ruby-to-garnet colored 2006 cabernet franc still has a strong, ripe, black-fruit-filled nose with blackberry, cassis, stewed prune, clove and black plum aromas.

On the attack, the full-bodied wine hits you with high-tannin followed by medium-plus acidity that follows through to a dry finish.

The fruit components are well-integrated showing mid-palate complexity in balance with tannin and acidity that crescendos and decrescendos across your palate.

A more than well done hot weather cab franc that reveals the best of the hot weather version of the grape varietal.

If you find this wine (it will be a lucky-under-the-radar-find), grab as many bottles as you can secure; this wine is history.

Bottle Note: The desert is, by nature, a region where nothing can grow by itself. In this rough and arid landscape, it is amazing to see what man’s imagination and a few drops of water can accomplish. Desierto Pampa is the result of how effort and dedication together can obtain the maximum expression of a unique terroir of unequalled characteristics.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Alto Valle del Rio Colorado

Vinification: Stainless steel fermentation with selected yeasts, cold maceration and malolactic fermentation at 20°C.

Aging: 19 months in American and French oak barrels

Tasting Notes: Deep purplish red color. On the nose, it displays a wide aromatic expression of plum marmalade, red fruit and tobacco notes enhanced by its aging in oak. Good structure with well-balanced, soft tannins. A long finish floods the palate.

Consultant Winemaker: Paul Hobbs