I mentioned in a recent post that I had gone to dinner at a restaurant that had an impressively long and well chosen wine list. Well, this is another selection from that same amazing list. I have to admit that I don’t keep track of all the latest hot spots. Luckily, though, I have friends who do. And that is how I found myself at The Dutch in SoHo which gave me this great opportunity for a wine experience. The food at The Dutch was very good, too, by the way. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. And the service was outstanding.
Vineyard: Bebame
Varietal: Cabernet Franc
Vintage: 2011
Appellation: El Dorado County, California
Price: $20
Notes: So often Cabernet Franc is added to a wine that is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (and labeled Cabernet Sauvignon) to settle and soften it a bit while adding some additional complexity, especially to the nose. This wine, however, is 93% Cabernet Franc with 7% Gamay mixed in. For me it had a nice core of blackberry fruit flavor, some hints of spice, and pepper on the finish. Tannins are light and the wine as a whole is medium-to-light bodied. It’s alcohol content is 12%. Bebame means “drink me” in Spanish, and I did. You should too! I will be keeping my eye out for it at a store near me.
Important: I am not a professional sommelier or wine connoisseur. See “About” for the full disclaimer.