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.
Pascal & Alain Lorieux 2003 Thélème Cabernet Franc (Chinon)
A vibrant, fresh wine, with bramble fruits and lively tannins. For a 2003, though, a very hot year, this wine is surprisingly lightweight, missing any real depth of flavor.
— R.V.
(4/1/2007)
Vinum Cellars 2004 The Scrapper Cabernet Franc (El Dorado County)
- Online Exclusive
- $30
Smells better than it tastes. Opens with sun-bright aromas of cherries, violets and vanilla-infused smoky oak, but turns sharp in the finish, a deficiency that might age out. Give it a year or two.
— S.H.
(8/1/2007)
Spangler Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc
- $24
This is pure Cabernet Franc; tough and tannic, it is served up dry as a bone, the light plummy fruit a bit overwhelmed by the hard, chalky finish.
— P.G.
(7/1/2007)
Sylvester 2004 Le Vigne di San Domenico Cabernet Franc (Paso Robles)
- $23
Decent everyday quality, but too hot and raw, although there’s plenty of savory cherry fruit. The alcohol is a relatively modest 14.5%, but the wine leaves a burn on the finish.
— S.H.
(9/1/2007)
Chilcas 2005 Tierra Oscura Cabernet Franc (Maule Valley)
- $15
A real South American take on this French grape. The nose is savory and smoky, with deep berry and vanilla aromas. So far so good, but the palate turns tannic and astringent, with black fruit and fig flavors getting run over by the grating mouthfeel. A take-no-prisoners wine with a coarse edge.
— M.S.
(7/1/2008)
Ironstone 2004 Cabernet Franc
- $10
The ’04 Reserve Cab Franc was a very good wine. This one is much different, rustic and simple, with stewed cherry flavors and a bitter finish. Okay for everyday fare.
— S.H.
(9/1/2007)
Domaine des Quarres 2006 Cabernet Franc (Cabernet d'Anjou)
- Online Exclusive
- $15
Medium sweet in style, typical of this appellation, this is soft, great for an aperitif, flavored with strawberry candies and maraschino cherries. All it needs is a hot fudge sundae.
— R.V.
(7/1/2007)
Château de Montguéret 2003 M de Montguéret Cabernet Franc (Anjou Villages)
- $15
Despite its provenance from a warm year, this still shows too much stalky character. Wood rounds it, but also dominates. It’s dry and firm, with a smoky aftertaste.
— R.V.
(10/1/2007)
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