Tanis, Cabernet Franc 2010, Amador County, California

Tasting Note: This hot-weather, Amador County cabernet franc shows what the grape can express in its most fruit-forward, overripe, and high-alcohol extreme.

Dark purple to ruby in color, this wine has a nose of jammy raisin, blackberry, black currant, and stewed prune with vanilla and some chocolate.

On the attack the dry, full-bodied red reveals overripe black fruit, reminiscent of late harvest zinfandel, followed by raisin on the mid-palate.

The cab franc finishes with black-fruit infused heat at the back of your mouth displaying its 14.9% alcohol.

The wine is made in a ripe cabernet franc style, but in maximizing on this one dimension it loses some of the subtlety and mid-palate finesse the grape can deliver.

As someone who appreciates cabernet franc and the spectrum of flavors the varietal can express, I appreciate that this wine allows me to visit one exaggerated end of the ripeness spectrum.

Bottle Note: Those with eyes to see discover the beauty in their story, the blessing in their struggles, the splendor of their becoming, and recognize it in the hearts of others.