THE ADVOCATE V O L . 7 8 P A R T 3 M A Y 2 0 2 0 391
LAROQUE CABERNET FRANC 2017
IGP Cité de Carcassonne, France $22.00 (approx.)
This is a different expression of Cab Franc from a winery near the magnificent
walled medieval city of Carcassonne in Languedoc-Roussillon in southern
France. My wife and I spent a day last summer wandering this amazing
fortified city. The wine’s name (“the rock”) comes from the Stone Age menhirs
(uprighted stones similar to those at Stonehenge) found throughout the
region. Deep reddish-purple, it has rich aromas of black cherry, black currant
and blackberry with notes of graphite and vanilla. On the palate it displays
similar black fruit mixed with herbs, green bell pepper and tea, and it
finishes tart with stone and mineral undertones. I suppose that is appropriate
given its name! It is definitely a food wine and is made for red meat. With
BBQ season on the horizon, I suggest placing this on the patio with burgers
or steak or having it with roast lamb, or even a meat-laden pizza. It is available
in private wine stores. I bought it at Cask & Barrel in West Kelowna.
HESTER CREEK ROSÉ CABERNET FRANC 2017
BC VQA Okanagan Valley #776500 $19.95
With summer close upon us, I add this local rosé to the lineup. The winery
states that it underwent a 48-hour cold soak followed by gentle pressing to
develop a “desirable pretty pink hue”. The wine was then fermented slowly
in stainless steel at cooler temperatures, stopping just short of dryness. The
resulting wine has a beautiful reddish-orange hue and intense fragrant aromas
of sweet strawberry, rhubarb and a bit of spice. On the palate are the
same strawberry and rhubarb, plus raspberry and an underlay of vanilla.
The off-dry finish is long and soft. The winery suggests pairing it with classic
Mediterranean cuisine such as olives, cured meats, and medium to
strong cheeses. Good idea. Grilled salmon or steelhead are other good
choices, as is just sipping it on the patio.
TINHORN CREEK CABERNET FRANC 2017
BC VQA Okanagan Valley #55921 $24.00 (approx.)
This version was fermented with a mix of native and selected yeasts and
aged in oak barrels for 12 months. A medium red, it has subtle but bright
aromas of raspberry, red cherry and red currant mixed with light notes of
oak. The flavours are of the same bright red fruit, plus cranberry and some
wet stone with an overlay of vanilla and spicy oak. Still young (it can be
aged for another couple of years), it has good balance and acidity with light
tannins. I suggest pairing it with a herbed roast chicken or a pork tenderloin.
You can find this wine at private wine stores, including the Save-On-
Foods wine section and Everything Wine, or online from the winery.