IMPRESSIVE - Ravine Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc Lonna's Block (Canada)

Let's talk about a single vineyard, single block version of Cabernet Franc 

from Ontario, Canada: 

Ravine Vineyard 

2020 Cabernet Franc - Lonna's Block

 

 

Written Review ... This is one of two single named blocks Cabernet Franc wines from Ravine in 2020- I know we're not allowed to use the words masculine and feminine to describe wines anymore; but this would be the y chromosome wine... It has the defining qualities that one would give to a person of that ilk. It's starts earthy, smoky and tobacco laced on the nose; but the pallet delivers on dark fruit, black raspberry and black cherry along with firm tannins, and a waitier firm structured length of finish. This is a punch in the mouth of flavor.

STUNNING Chateau Montus 2017 Madiran (France)

You want to get to know the Tannat grape? 

Start with a bottle of Chateau Montus - the OG of Tannat : 

Chateau Montus 2017 Madiran

 

The Written Part ...

An 80% Tannat with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon – taking up a 35 hectares of the 37 hectare Montus vineyard. Vine age is about 27 years. Fermentation and maceration follow what happens at Boucassé (see above). Here 50% of the wine sees new oak for 12 months. Then 24 months in 80 hectoliter foudre (large barrels). 36 months of aging the wine rests in bottle 2 years before release.

The note … Weighty wine with lots of smoky, gritty tannin grip. Floral with good acidity; the fruit either lingers or has decided to hide within the oak – each sip holds a different outcome. It'll take time to emerge, but this oak will always be there. It's an intense wine where food needs to be involved. (****)

LOVELY BUBBLE Henkell 2016 Cremant de Loire (France)

A surprising wine, from an unlikely source, until you know the whole story : 

Henkell 2016 Cremant de Loire

EYE-POPPING Martin's Lane 2020 Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Canada)

After tasting through the 2020 Martin's Lane Pinots, 

this was my favourite - by a long shot : 

Martin's Lane 2020 Simes Vineyard Pinot Noir

 

 The Written Review

This is the last vineyard to be picked completely, it north facing, is slower to ripen allowing the fruit to mature at at even pace. Then it is 70% whole bunch pressed and fermented in concrete ... Kicks at the nose like a sniff of Chanel no. 5 ... This is a pretty Pinot, with lots of floral notes with a nice cherry strawberry spiced-rhubarb. Tannins are silky by comparison to the other Pinots in this line-up.  (**** ½)