Overshadowed by its bigger brother, the outstanding Octagon, Barboursville Vineyards produces a reserve Cabernet Franc that can stand toe-to-toe with any in the world. The Barboursville Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve is the house red wine at the world famous “The Inn at Little Washington“, the only Five Star and Five Diamond inn and restaurant in America. Not the wineries hallmark wine, but a quality, well-made Cabernet Franc nonetheless.
I’ve had the opportunity to taste both the 2006 and 2007 vintages, and both never fail to impress. Varietal-correct, the reserve displays red berries, cherries and spice on the nose. On the palate, consistent notes of red fruit, bell pepper, dried herbs and tobacco that I love so much about the variety. Larger tannins than one might expect, which leads me to think this wine will do fine with short-term cellaring. Smooth and balanced on its own, but remarkably agile with food.
At $23 retail, the wine is a must for any Cabernet Franc aficionado. The 2008 is currently available for purchase online.
Winemaker Luca Paschina has managed to capture the essence of the grape in the reserve bottling and manages to do so consistently in every vintage. The hallmarks of excellence in my book. Cheers!