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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Mason Vineyard The Landed Cabernet Franctext
92POINTS
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Mason Vineyard The Landed Cabernet Franc 2022

Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, CanadaMy first experience with The Landed Cabernet Franc involved three vintages: a vertical of 2018, 2020, and 2023. Mason says the winemaking has been the same for all years, so it was an excellent opportunity to explore vintage variance. The 2022, at 13% alcohol, is a stylish version of Cab Franc. Again, it is wild fermented and aged in Bourgogne barrels for 17 months with only 10% new oak, 10% second fill, 30% third fill and the remainder in neutral oak. Most years, the harvest begins in late October and finishes in early November. Mason called the ’22 growing season “hassle-free.” There is no crushing the grapes; they go straight to the tank whole berry for a brief cold soak before heating the tank jackets to fire up the ferment. Ultimately, this wine’s charm is its texture, which permeates it from front to back. It supports a classic savoury, herbaceous franc with just a little bit of Loire, mixing barely ripe strawberries with cranberries and brown spices with a puff of campfire. The acidity is firm and structural for long-term ageing. Elegant, understated red fruits with a complexing, level mineral fresh finish, this is a classic Thanksgiving dinner red.Tasted: 24 July 2024Tasted by: Anthony GismondiPrices:
ON$55.00750mlwinery direct/online
Producer: Mason VineyardDistributors: Winery Direct
Grape: Cabernet Franc