Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a red grape common to Bordeaux and the Loire, although it can be grown throughout the world, in California, Washington, New York, Italy and Canada, among other places. Characteristics include an herbal, leafy flavor and a soft, fleshy texture. You can use Wine Enthusiast’s online Buying Guide to find the top-rated Cabernet Franc among our extensive Cabernet Franc wine reviews and easy-to-use database. Our Cabernet Franc reviews will give you a general idea what to expect from wines made from Cabernet Franc, and will help you find one that best suits your needs.
La Jota Vineyard 2009 Cabernet Franc (Howell Mountain)
- Online Exclusive
- $75
Hard to describe the balance and elegance of this Cabernet Franc, although it’s pretty hard in tannins. Below that is a fabulous core of blackberry, black cherry and mineral flavors. Rich, complex and dramatic, this is arguably one of the best Cab ernet Francs on the market. Drink now–2017.
— S.H.
(7/1/2012)
Constant 2009 Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $130
One of the best Napa Cabernet Francs in memory, this shows lush, concentrated flavors of cherry pie, red currant, mocha, anise and smoky, spicy sandalwood that are wrapped into firm but exceptionally refined tannins. Drink now to experience the youthful beauty.
— S.H.
(12/31/2012)
Poggio al Tesoro 2009 Dedicato a Walter Cabernet Franc (Toscana)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $75
Dark chocolate and espresso notes open the bouquet of this concentrated Cabernet Franc. Round and soft, with power and personality, this penetrating wine sits long on the palate, and it imparts bright fruit and spice notes with time. The tannins are tight, firm and polished. Drink after 2016.
— M.L.
(4/1/2013)
Peju 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)
- $115
Peju’s regular 2008 Cabernet Franc, released a year ago, was outstanding. This one’s even better. It’s arguably one of the best California Cabernet Francs ever. This is absolutely delicious in red cherry and blueberry jam, cherry liqueur, cola and sandalwood flavors. It’s marked by an exquisite mouthfeel—all silk and satin. Give it a few hours in a decanter, and…
— S.H.
(9/1/2012)
Conn Creek 1999 Limited Release Cabernet Franc (Napa Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $25
Showcases this varietal’s sweetly limpid, berry side. Raspberry liqueur flavors are rich and long on the palate, accompanied by crisp acids and the heat of alcohol. Delicious from the soft texture through the full-bodied, ripe finish. —S.H.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
Peju 2001 Cabernet Franc (Rutherford)
- $65
This is among the best Cab Francs ever bottled in California. Normally in need of toning up with other Bordeaux grapes, this 100% varietal wine needs no help. It is profoundly good, with the weight and tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon but a silky, feminine quality all its own. Subtle and nuanced; it doesn’t hit you over the head with extraction and oak, but is complex…
— S.H.
(8/1/2004)
Sineann 2004 Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Editors' Choice
- $42
From a new block of vines, this effusive, dense and concentrated wine really puts on a show. Rich, ripe, luscious cherry fruit explodes from the glass, deepening into black cherry liqueur and extending into a long, lush finish.
— P.G.
(4/1/2006)
Vinum Cellars 2003 The Scrapper Cabernet Franc (El Dorado)
- Editors' Choice
- $30
Years ago I found out how good these Sierra Foothills Cab Francs can be, and here’s another one. It really impresses for its dry finesse, a wine that exhibits true gout de terroir in the earthy, mushroomy flavors with their subtle hint of black cherries and violets. Try as an alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
— S.H.
(10/1/2006)
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