When an exceptional vigneron is working with a high quality site/vineyard for Cabernet Franc, vintage is not something I concern myself with as it relates to the inherent quality of the finished wine. In my opinion, a wine of very good quality will be produced from these top sites in the hands of a top vigneron in ANY vintage.

In May I was invited to lead a wine dinner for the Commanderie de Bordeaux chapter in Mexico City. Naturally the theme of the dinner was Cabernet Franc, and I had the pleasure to present and showcase some of the top examples from Bordeaux and the Loire.

Cabernet Franc and Brazil may not be a grape-place combination that immediately leaps to mind, but for the latter part of the 19th century, and for the better part of the 20th century, Cabernet Franc was an important variety in the early years of the Brazilian wine industry.

Lenoir Chinon is somewhat of a unicorn in wine circles. Produced in miniscule quantities, and released periodically to the market, and only then after a very long elevage, these wines are very hard to find.