2020 Exclamation Cabernet Franc

2020 was one of the best growing seasons on record for red wines in Niagara and our flagship Cabernet Franc fully lives up to all the hype.  The spring started off unseasonably warm and just got hotter as summer came. There was little rainfall and extended periods of perfect growing weather. In the fall the season was extended by warm weather right until the end of October. Look for some of the best wines Niagara has ever produced from this vintage.

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.

Food Pairing:
Smoked ham with maple mustard glaze
Applewood smoked chicken wings
Teriyaki tempeh
Lamb stew
Aged cheeses

Technical Information:

Appellation: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

Blend: 100% Cabernet Franc

Aging: 24 months French oak

Alcohol: 14.9% ABV

Residual Sugar:  2.0g/L

Cellar capacity:  Now till 2030+