Availability: Direct from winery here and BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.8%
Date Tasted: September 17th, 2011
Tasting Notes: "Early adopters" (of anything) live the dichotomy of success and struggle. Tinhorn Creek was certainly one of the first Okanagan wineries to embrace Cabernet Franc as anything beyond simply a blending partner for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It's been a struggle at times to market over the years, I'm sure, as the name recognition and unique characters of the grape are not as widely known to the average consumer. I hope that changes with the release of this over-achieving 2009 version.
Perhaps it was the hotter than average vintage, or the fact the vines are now over 15+ years old, or the tried and tested winemaking techniques of Sandra Oldfield (or all of the above?). Whatever the case, Tinhorn have a real winner on their hands with this one. And it's only $20!
Lovers of Franc Funk need not disparage. Yes, with the 2009 vintage much of that in-your-face-stinky-cheese-funk is gone, but it is replaced by a heart-warming, decently-complex and sultry plum-floral-cedar-cocoa-cigar nose that, actually, offers better typicity for the varietal. The fruit and tannins are ripe, the acidity resets your palate and the finish is moderate plus - the makings of a very good wine that will make every critic's "best value" list at the end of the year. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca