Last night was my local tasting group's look at Cabernet Franc. Sadly, our planned host had to rush back to France to see his dying father. Alex stepped in as host, but we all of course felt bad for our friend. Alex came up at last minute with a nice assortment of charcuterie and dips, and we had lots of Cab Franc (and a bit of Merlot). Rule was at least 50% CF.
Blind Wine #1 Fairly ripe, vanillin oak notes, generally popular. I guessed California, when asked why I said "because it could be from anywhere" which most of the non-geeky group regarded as a thumbs up. We were all surprised at the 2007 Millbrook Proprietor's Reserve Cabernet Franc (Hudson Valley), more ripeness than I would have guessed they could get. Rob says 10% Merlot. B-/C+
Blind Wine #2 Red fruit, higher acids, juicy, with a little leafy/herbal note that is more classic CF. Easy to guess Loire. Friendly easy wine. Turns out it's a Kermit Lynch import I've never heard of, the 2009 La Petite Timonerie Chinon. B
Blind Wine #3 Not blind for me. Open about 3 hours. Nice mid-to full bodied CF, cherry and dark plums, earth, espresso, bark. I feel bad picking my own wine as tie for WOTN, but I of course buy/bring things I like. Still young. 2005 Filliatreau "La Grande Vignolle" Saumur-Champigny B+
Blind Wine #4 Sweet fruit, earthy, good balance, alittle olive, enough herb/green notes to ensure I guess Loire. Ned is more specific with Bourgueil, and he's right. 2008 La Chanteleuserie Bourgueil B+
Blind Wine #5 Quite ripe with plum and berries, a little oak, a prominent leather/gamy note. I had contemplated bringing a older mag of Havens Bourriquot, and that (combined with that leathery slightly bretty edge) reminded me Marc had bought some Havens on closeout. A little softer/less structured than expected, but I went with that as my guess. Marc confirmed, but when unveiled it turns out HE BROUGHT THE WRONG WINE! Similar labels. 2006 Havens Merlot Reserve. B
Blind Wine #6 Lighter than some of the others, but sprightly and interesting. Red fruits, citrus zest, barky/nutty notes. Easy to go Loire. 2008 Hureau "Tuffe" Saumur-Champigny B/B+
Blind Wine #7 Ripe, earthy, good length. Turns out it's a different vintage of a wine we already had, shows a bit riper. 2006 La Chanteleuserie Bourgueil B/B+
Blind Wine #8 Ripe, juicy, good balance. Tasty but doesn't seem Loire-ish. I'm surprised with the 2007 Hermann Wiemer Cabernet Franc. B
All in all, quite a fun night, though we missed Fred. No home runs, but lots of fun and interesting wine with a good group.
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.