Over the last few days I've been following via Face Book and other media the journey of some Kinkead Ridge wines to Australia, purchased by a private consumer and shipped via FedEx. That certainly made me thirsty for a Kinkead Ridge wine so last night I opened a bottle, my next to last, of the 2004 Cabernet Franc.Dinner was a filet mignon, pan seared on both sides then tossed in a moderate oven to finish cooking. There was a pan sauce with the drippings, some shallots, vermouth, cognac, blackberries and butter that simmered while the meat cooked. When the filet were done I put the sauce on the plates in an attractive swirl, placed the filet in the middle and topped it with some more of the sauce. There was a green salad and some roasted tomatoes also on the plate.
The problem with the wines from Kinkead Ridge is that are so easy and good to drink that it takes a lot of willpower to let them age. This bottle was stashed away in an odd location so it did get some bottle age to it. The aroma was wonderful, full of black raspberries and bright cherries and clean earth. Those aromas had mellowed into a wonderful bouquet. The wine was medium weight in the mouth and the flavors were soft and appealing. Both the cherries and raspberries were there, along with a touch of cinnamon and some subtle hints of vanilla. The acid was still wonderful in this wine and there was just enough tannin to complete the package. The wine was fully mature, lean, svelte, and all the parts were completely harmonized. This wasn't a loud, brash teenager, this was a mature woman with a few discreet stories to tell. They were stories I bought into, and they were just about perfect with the filet and the sauce. Wonderful bottle of wine.
12.9% alcohol and $15 when purchased. 355 cases produced.
1 comment:
That wine won a Double Gold medal at the American Wine Society competition!
Post a Comment