CWA 2010: Cabernet Franc

(30 entries, 17 medals)

Some believe cab franc is a Canadian speciality. Several judges noted that two different styles are emerging: B.C. leans toward bigger, richer, oak-aged cab francs, while Ontario makes lighter, juicier, less-oaked versions. The judges’ outlook was very mixed. John Szabo was disappointed, saying, “quality was lower than in previous years; tannins were too firm, acids high and wood was excessive.” Véronique Rivest, however, felt it was “a successful category with most wines having good varietal character and balance.” But with no golds and only half the entries of merlot, does it have long-term future viability as single varietal?

Silver

Thirty Bench Wine Makers 2007 Small Lot Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $40

Inniskillin 2007 Reserve Series Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $19

Cerelia 2008 Cabernet Franc, Cawston, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia     $25

Burrowing Owl 2007 Cabernet Franc, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $33

Seven Stones 2008 Cabernet Franc, Similkameen Valley, British Columbia     $25

Mount Lehman 2008 Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $27

Tawse 2007 David’s Block Cabernet Franc, Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $48

Fort Berens Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc, British Columbia     $25

Coyote’s Run 2008 Black Paw Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $22

Rosewood 2008 Renaceau Vineyard Barrel #59 Cabernet Franc, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $30

Bronze

Poplar Grove 2006 Cabernet Franc, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $35

Magnotta 2009 Equus Series Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario     $10

Hester Creek 2007 Reserve Cabernet Franc, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $26

Muscedere Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc, Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario     $16

Tinhorn Creek 2008 Cabernet Franc, Oliver, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $18

Sumac Ridge 2007 Black Sage Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia     $20

See more results from the Wine Access 2010 Canadian Wine Awards