2005 Merriam Vineyards Cabernet Franc "Jones Vineyard"

Winery: Merriam Vineyards

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Jones Vineyard"

Wine Category: Cabernet Franc

Grape blend: 95% Cabernet Franc & 5% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Dry Creek Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $45

Cases produced: 140

KWG Score: 90.5 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: February 23, 2009

Wine Review: This wine is consistently one of the best Cabernet Franc’s coming out of California and was one of my favorite wines at this years Boston Wine Expo. This ruby colored wine opens with an attractive black raspberry like bouquet with hints of spice and oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, quite smooth, very well balanced and structured with very tasty black raspberry flavors with notes of blackberries. The finish is dry and nicely prolonged. As I mentioned this wine is always top notch and I would pair it with prime rib. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: This third bottling is inviting in appearance with its dark ruby red color, the 2005 “Jones Vineyard” Cabernet Franc brings scents of plum-violets, raspberry and cherry with hints of light smoke and spice to the nose. Upon tasting, flavors of blueberry and vanilla on the palate give way to a thick and lasting finish of currant, sweetwood, and a hint of coconut.

Organic status: not organic