Jefferson Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve 2021 – Monticello

The wine has a bright ruby color of medium intensity. It is reserved on the nose and benefits from aeration. It then expresses notes of ripe and juicy, even sweet, fruit: crushed morello cherry, ripe red cherry (even with a touch of jam), wild raspberry, wild strawberry, crushed blackcurrant, and blueberry. Aeration also reveals a fragrant and elegant floral bouquet: violet, fresh rose, a hint of lotus, as well as integrated herbal touches (fresh tobacco, peppermint, brewed black tea). The spicy and toasted aromas are airy and well integrated: we find first touches of nutmeg, licorice, and dried ginger, combined with a hint of cumin, toasted almond, dark chocolate, and coffee. The palate is precise, straight, with tension and juiciness. It first expresses bitter notes of cranberries, wild cherry and cherry pit, combined with notes of morello cherry, red cherry, wild raspberry, blackcurrant and crushed blueberry. It then expresses notes of licorice, nutmeg, white pepper, a touch of dried ginger and cumin, a toasted and chocolatey side (toasted almond, dark chocolate, chocolate plum), as well as coffee, dried blackcurrant leaves, black tea, violet and rose petals. The tannins are enveloping, fine-grained, powdery and chocolatey. The finish is expressive and tasty, very fruity (tart cherry, morello cherry), with a chocolatey and tangy touch of cocoa nibs. Long persistence on the palate with a fresh and salivating acidity.