'01 Tobin James James Gang Reserve Cabernet Franc

[Innkeeper]

2001 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, Cabernet Franc ($38, but came with the fall ’04 shipment): Alcohol level: 15.2%. On the nose and upfront incredibly ripe red cherry and blackberry fruit as only Franc can do. On the palate we tasted a complex mélange of mocha, vanillin oak, Paso dirt, and smooth but slightly grainy tannin. The finish, in WW’s terms, was a 2 ½ lapper. There was enough fruit and body, that the alcohol was hardly noticeable.

We matched it with sautéed rib steaks in EVOO and Morton rub; mashed potatoes; and salad with the last of this batch of raspberry/hazelnut dressing. Simply delightful!

Bucko: This is being posted here, not because it is like a Loire wine, but because it is a Loire variety. Hope this is OK with you.

[winoweenie]

I see IK's having WAY too much fun with his TJ. Either that or Foodie mis-represented the origins of Cabernet Franc to moi. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

Either you haven't popped yours yet, or you didn't post on it. You usually beat me to the TJs.

[winoweenie]

Jes' having funzies with the thread you posted under Carl ole' pal. WW

[Innkeeper]

Popped the '03 yesterday for daughter and fiance (other wine drinker). It came with the Spring '06 shipment, the first to arrive at our new house. List price still $38, and the alcohol is 15.2% (yikes).

It was much the same as the '01 (didn't get an '02) with the same gobs of red and black fruit and vanilla/chocolate. We matched it with kielbasa braised in red wine (Woodbridge Merlot), glazed carrots, and mashed garlic potatoes. All went together wonderfully.