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.