Cabernet Franc - 3 from Virginia and 1 from France
🍇 Varietal Overview: Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a black grape variety of French origin, known as one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon. It thrives in both cooler and moderate climates, with a reputation for elegance and aromatic complexity. Typical flavors include:
Aromas: Red berries (raspberry, strawberry), violet, herbs, green bell pepper, and graphite.
Flavors: Cherry, plum, blackcurrant, sometimes with hints of tobacco, pepper, or dried herbs.
Structure: Medium body, moderate tannins, good acidity.
🌍 Regional Expression
France (Loire Valley, especially Chinon): More herbaceous, floral, lighter in body, and elegantly structured.
Virginia, USA: With a humid climate and varied soils, Virginia Cab Francs often exhibit ripe berry fruit, spice, earthy tobacco notes, and sometimes a bit more roundness and oak influence than their French counterparts.
🥂 The Wines (in tasting order)
🅰️ Wine 1 – Domaine de la Colline (2022)
Region: Chinon, Loire Valley, France 🇫🇷
City: Chinon, near Marseille/Cannes
Price: $14.99
Alcohol: 14%
Store: Not specified
Scott's Score: 13 — Would buy again (for home)
Lynn's Score: 15 — Would buy again (for a party)
Total Score: 🏆 28 (Winner)
Tasting Notes:
Rich ruby red, clear and vibrant 🍒
Fruity, dry, and fruit-forward with hints of cherry and licorice
Smooth, long finish
Well-balanced and elegant, with classic French structure and finesse
Why it won: Excellent balance, strong finish, and an expressive, classic French Cab Franc character. Despite being the least expensive wine, it delivered the most satisfying overall experience.
🅱️ Wine 2 – Fabbioli Cellars (2022)
Region: Loudoun County, Virginia 🇺🇸
City: Leesburg, Virginia, USA
Price: $23.99
Alcohol: Not specified
Store: Not specified
Scott's Score: 12 — Would buy again (for home)
Lynns's Score: 14 — Would buy again (for a party)
Total Score: 26
Tasting Notes:
Lighter in color than Wine 1
Aroma of oak, pepper, charcoal, and cherry 🍒🌶️🔥
Higher alcohol noticeable with strong legs
A bit unexpected on the palate, not quite as bold as the aroma suggested
A touch of burn noted, indicating higher ABV
Comments: Solid, party-worthy Cab Franc with smokier undertones and peppery complexity.
🅲 Wine 3 – Horton Vineyards (2017)
Region: Orange County, Virginia (near Charlottesville) 🇺🇸
City: Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Price: $20.99
Alcohol: Not specified
Store: Not specified
Scott's Score: 10 — ❌ Would not buy again
Lynn's Score: 11 — ❌ Would not buy again
Total Score: 21
Tasting Notes:
Lighter ruby, clear
Smelled traditionally Virginian 🍇
Flavor profile was elusive — "different, but not bad"
Good acidity, tannins, and dryness, but didn’t stand out
Unclear flavor notes; slightly underwhelming
Comments: The oldest vintage of the bunch, but perhaps not showing its best. Neither taster was inspired to repurchase.
🅳 Wine 4 – Barboursville Vineyards Reserve (2022)
Region: Barboursville, Virginia 🇺🇸
City: Barboursville, Virginia, USA
Price: $23.99
Alcohol: Not specified
Store: Not specified
Scott's Score: 12 — Would buy again (for home)
Lynn's Score: 19 — Would buy again (for a birthday party 🎉)
Total Score: 31
Tasting Notes:
Dark, clear, intense color
Aroma of tobacco, oak, forest floor, and pencil shavings 🍂🪵✏️
Slightly “watered down” or light on flavor, despite the rich nose
Smoky with a dry, acidic finish that tingled the sides of the tongue
Comments: While Lynn found it milder, Scott loved the complexity. It was the highest-rated by Scott and came very close to being the overall winner.
🏅 The Winner: Wine 1 – Domaine de la Colline (France 🇫🇷)
With a total score of 28 points, this Chinon Cab Franc stood out for its balance, finish, and classic varietal character. Both tasters would happily buy it again, and its $14.99 price point made it an excellent value compared to the more expensive Virginia competitors. A true testament to French terroir and winemaking finesse 🍷✨.
