1/03. Received as present Dec-02. Normal market price $18-19.
I don't think I have tasted more than 2-3 Canadian wines before. The ones I've had were all Ice Wines. This is the first Canadian dry wine for me.
Made by Inniskillin - the winery responsible for what is probably the most celebrated of all Canada's Ice Wines - this Cabernet Franc from the Niagara region is made from choice relatively old Cabernet Franc vines and is aged for 14 months in French oak.
COLOR: Medium-dark purple. No clearing around the rim and no sediment.
NOSE: Very deep and sensuous aromas of red and black forest-fruit, wrapped by spicy tones. Discernible but not overpowering wood elements. Clean and extremely attractive fresh nose.
TASTE: Deliciously mouthfilling with brilliant fruit at the core. Soft structured and smooth on the palate, with round tannins and excellent acidity. Perhaps not the most complex of wines, but very harmonious and extremely tasty.
LENGTH: Medium-long nice bitter-sweet aftertaste.
TEXTURE & BALANCE: Medium bodied wine that is extremely well made, with every element in its right place. Youthful and not lacking in punch, yet completely harmonious and ready.
OVERALL: Very Fine. No simpleton here at under $20! Really enjoyable.

MARK: 18/20.

BUY MORE? Yes.

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Jacob "Yak" Shaya.