Casa Nuestra

2006 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley ($38). So pretty, with bright blackberry, blueberry and currant aromas and flavors laced with smooth chocolate, spices and a touch of mint. Long, lush finish. Just a baby now — benefits from decanting in the short run. Should age beautifully for the next five or six years at least. Locate this wine online or in your area.

2000 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley St. Helena Estate ($36). Sweet red fruit and vanilla oak bouquet leads to concentrated red cherry and currant fruit laced with violet, earth, and spicy oak notes. Picks up a jammy note on the lush, lingering finish. Huge tannic structure needs time to develop. Best after 2004 and over the next ten years. (Winery Spotlight, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

1997 Cabernet Franc ($18). We were pleasantly surprised to see that Casa Nuestra bottles a Cab Franc. Blended with 10% Merlot and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, this bottle nicely illustrates the perfumed delicacy that a Cab Franc can be. Lush with blueberry and currant fruit that is nicely offset with a rosemary note, this wine is a pleasure to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Weekend Wine, 01/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Carmenet 2000 Cabernet Franc Sonoma Valley ($18). Candied violet and spicy blueberry pie bouquet leads to intense red cherry and berry fruit layered with earth, anise and tobacco. Impressive tannins. A perfect match for simple, rustic food like grilled steak or roasted chicken. Drink now and over the next three or four years. (Winery Spotlight, 12/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

EOS Estate 1998 Cabernet Franc Paso Robles ($20). Medium to light bodied, with elegant red cherry and berry fruit softly accented with toasted oak and appealing herbal notes. Versatile with food. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 10/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Geyser Peak 1997 Cabernet Franc Alexander Valley Winemaker’s Selection ($20). The beautiful crimson hue is just the beginning of this rich, sophisticated wine. Ripe berry and currant fruit, herbs, coffee, and smooth vanilla oak combine wonderfully on a well-structured frame. Ready to drink now and over the next five years. (Winery Spotlight, 04/01) Locate this wine online or in your area.

La Jota 2001 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain ($62). Deep and distinctive, with concentrated red berry fruit accented with smoked herbs, leather and roasted hazelnut. Picks up a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Richard’s Picks 08/04)

Scott Aaron 2003 Integrity Paso Robles Caso de Caballos ($55). Predominantly Cabernet Franc (80%), blended with Merlot (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a big, full-bodied wine that offers perfumed mocha accenting concentrated black currant and berry fruit, with a long, rich finish that evolves nicely to include sweet tobacco notes. Ready to drink now and over the next four or five years. (Splurge Wine 04/06)

Stevenot 1998 Cabernet Franc Sierra Foothills ($12). Spicy raspberry sparkles on the bouquet and then the palate. Medium-bodied with good structure. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. (Wine Tasting Party, 04/01)

Viader 2005 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley DARE ($40). An intriguing play between sleek, aromatic red fruit and dusty, spice-laced tannins that offer underlying grip to the plush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Drinks with Les Dames 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Yorkville Cellars 2000 Cabernet Franc Yorkville Highlands ($18). Aromatic red berry and violet bouquet. Young, tart raspberry dominates palate with shadings of toasted almond and sweet vanilla. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/04)