TN '02 Nevada City Cabernet Franc

For those of you unfamiliar, Nevada City winery is arguably the premier winery in this part of the Sierra Foothills. Mark Foster, their superb winemaker, has been making Cab Franc from a select few vineyards for some years now - with the exception of '03 when they decided not to make that vintage.

I've been putting down a case or so each year. We had not tasted the '02 for quite some time, so decided to crack one last night to accompany a delightful marinated steak (see the latest Food & Wine for the recipe - pg. 96!). After letting the wine breathe for about 30 minutes, we gave it all of our attention. The color is deep and dark. Clear, but so dark as to appear opaque unless you hold it to the light. The nose is strong - 'winey', but with good suggestions of fruit and spice. The taste is exceptional - soft and full, with the slightly spicey character of the great CF's; tannins present, and excellent acid balance - suggesting the wine will continue to age well.