Vineland Estates Cabernet Franc 2007
Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada ($15)
Vineland Estates Winery in Ontario is an impressive winery. It can truly be classified as a destination winery with its restaurant, Carriage House, gorgeous store and tasting room, as well as its spectacular view of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario. Some of the most respected wines in the Niagara Peninsula have come from this estate winery.
The last time I visited Vineland, I was sold on its Elevation Series wines. Meant to be a step above the entry-level labels, these wines are sourced from the Niagara Escarpment sub-appellation. Limited to 3.5 tons per acre, the grapes are all hand harvested and sorted. My 2005 Elevation Cabernet I brought home that visit was delicious, and I thought it set the bar high for Ontario Cabernet Franc/Sauvignon wine.
When I saw their 2007 Cabernet Franc at Passport Wines in Clarence, I passed up buying the Chinon I was eyeing. Light ruby in color, it was very reminiscent of some franc I’ve had on the US side of the border. My first aromatic impression wasn’t all that positive. Smoke and cherries with a hint of green tannins was all I got. The wine was balanced on the palate but lacked the extraction I was hoping for from this vintage. The green nose blew off but didn’t leave much in way of exciting aromas. With an average finish to boot, this seemed simply destined to be a table wine.
Now it’s not fair that I had such high expectations based on the vintage and producer, especially since these grapes are probably sourced from a few different sub-appellations. It may have been machine harvested and denied a decent sorting session as well. All in all not bad, but I wouldn’t pour this wine to anyone whom I was trying to impress with Niagara cabernet franc. My grade 2.0/5
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