2004 Dare Napa Valley

[winoweenie]

This Cabernet Franc from the great estate of D. Viader is a real eye-opener. Also opened a bunch of taste receptors on the Weeners ole' used-up tongue. Almost purple. Nose extremely shy at first. In the mouth the weight was like a Howell Mtn. cab. After the 1st glass I put the sucker back in the cellar without the cork. Revisited yesterday and "what a difference a day makes"(great title for a song?)! Nose jumped out of the glass with flowery, spicy, and plummy notes. Big entry, weighty center and a 4+ lapper finish. The consideerable tannins had softened somewhat from Monday but still shut this baby down as quick as Elloit N did Chicago. Give this at least another 3-6 and expect glorious results. 91/91 39 by the box 13.5% alc. WW

[winoweenie]

Revisited yesterday and this juice is flowing nicely. The nose is coming along swimmingly. Seems the flowery notes mite be getting stronger. Still shuts down quickly so it still needs at least another 3-5 to reach frankie stardom. No change in scoring. WW

[TheEngineer]

Last time I had this wine was at the winery itself. Nice little tasting room over a winery that looked like a double black diamond slope "gasp!!"

I like this much too!

[winoweenie]

Had another as my "Welcome Home" bottle. Not much change from the last bottle but a delightful change from the Cab Savs. No change in scoring. WW

[TheEngineer]

WW,

Since you like Cab Franc, have you tried Clos Rougeard, Le Bourg, or Les Poyeux. They are fantastic Cab Francs from the Loire and among my favourites.

[winoweenie]

Sorry to say I haven't Eng, but will look for them at me pushers today. Tankee fer the heads-up. WW

[winoweenie]

Had another for lunch yesterday and is fleshing out with each visit. Not much noticible change in the aromatics or finish just the intensity vibe ratcheted up a hair. No change in scoring. WW

[winoweenie]

Opened the last of me 6-pack yesterday. Pleasurable is a nice descriptor. Loved every drop. Bye ole fren! WW