2020 Exclamation Cabernet Franc

The Exclamation Cabernet Franc pours a deeper ruby colour than you might normally expect for this variety, thanks to excellent sun exposure in the vineyard and extended skin contact during winemaking. The nose offers intense aromas of blackberry jam, stewed black plum, black cherry, and black pepper, along with ample complexities of baking spice, dark chocolate, tobacco, vanilla, and cedar from its extensive aging in French oak barrels. On the palate, things are equally complex and intense, with repeating descriptors as the nose and more body than usual for red wines from the region. Despite how full bodied the wine is and how high the alcohol content is, it shows impeccable balance. Tannins are youthful and point to a long aging potential without compromising on near term drinkability. Combine this with a classic cool climate acidity that helps showcase the fruit, and the stage is set for what it likely among the top expressions of Cabernet Franc in the world.