Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2018

87POINTS

15^¾/20

British Columbia, CanadaA portion of grapes was left whole cluster on the bottom of the tank to allow for a natural carbonic maceration. It is then aged in oak for 14 months before a small amount of cabernet sauvignon was added to provide extra depth and complexity. The nose is a bit out of sorts with dried herbs mixed into black plums, espresso, and a whiff of garlic dill. The palate is lively with spicy red fruits and savoury underbrush and campfire notes. It's a skinner style when compared to the 2019. Best served with grilled lamb or beef.Tasted: 29 November 2021Tasted by: Prices:

$36.99

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, grocery

Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List
Grape: Cabernet FrancCSPC: 137604UPC: 626990106265

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88POINTS

16/20

Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2018

British Columbia, CanadaThere's no indication where the grapes come from for this Reserve Cab Franc, but it is appellated BC VQA, leading one to believe grapes were sourced from across BC (including their Lillooet estate?) Partial whole cluster, this was native fermented, and then aged in wood for 14 months. Cedar-framed dark cherry, black raspberry rides a smoothed medium+ palate, with hearty doses of sweet spices, sarsaparilla, and a savoury rusticity to season through the shorter finish. Typical BC cab franc, though that's as far as typicity goes. I wish there was more transparency here, especially for a 'Reserve' tier.Tasted: 30 December 2020Tasted by: Prices:

$36.99

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, grocery

Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List
Grape: Cabernet FrancCSPC: 137604UPC: 626990106265

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88POINTS

16/20

Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2018

British Columbia, CanadaLabelled as BC VQA, suggesting this is a multi-regional blend, Fort Berens' Reserve Cabernet Franc shows more obvious oak than its entry-level sibling and doesn't quite have the same charm as a result. A combination of dill and smoke obscures some of the fruit and varietal character. There's also a notch more ripeness and extraction, giving this a bold character that calls for a charcoal-grilled steak. Best after another 1-2 years.Tasted: 17 November 2020Tasted by: Prices:

$36.99

750ml

winery online/direct, select private retailers, grocery

Producer: Fort Berens Estate WineryDistributors: The Drinks List
Grape: Cabernet FrancCSPC: 137604UPC: 626990106265

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Hester Creek Old Vine Cabernet Franc 2019 Fort Berens Cabernet Franc 2019

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87/100Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2020British Columbia, Canada

88/100Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2019British Columbia, Canada

90/100Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2017British Columbia, Canada

89/100Fort Berens Cabernet Franc Reserve 2016British Columbia, Canada