I continue to be impressed by the cabernet franc being grown and made in the Garden State. This example from Working Dog Winery has a beautiful nose filled with black cherry, chocolate Necco wafer, sweet oak-born spice and a hint of wet garden soil.
Plump with medium-body, the palate shows lots of dark cherry fruit and spice. The tannins are still a bit young, but are also approachable. There is a cola/Dr. Pepper note too and an earthy, gently herbal note on the end of a long finish.
If you’re reading this, you probably know that I don’t like cabernet franc that is beaten into submission with new oak. This one pushes that limit, but ultimately strikes a nice balance of fruit and oak.
Producer: Working Dog Winery
Region: New Jersey
ABV: 13%
Price: $27*
Score: 90 points
* Review sample provided by the winery
