TN: Dugat, Lignier, Franciscan

I've always like Franciscan wines--I guess I'm one of those "flashy Californian style" kinda guys. But, the Oakville Estate caused me to open Cellar because I recalled an OE cab that I had last year.

It was Robert Mondavi Oakville Estate Cabernet '99--it was offered by Sam's on special for $24.99 reduced from about $50. I bought four and here's what I noted: "Big, warm, full-bodied cab. Chocolate, leather, cassis flavors. Resolved tannins. Drinkable now, but will be interesting to watch for a while."

I guess that means that Oakville Estate is a good QPR area for the last couple of years. Like you, I try to keep a leash on the routine drinking wine costs and lean toward $12-$20 wines (or less when I find a Rex Goliath style bargain). At the $20-25 price point for a full-bodied cabernet, I get credit card urges....

Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled"

If you can read Italian, there's info here:

Ed,

To be clear, I've liked Franciscan wines in the past, especially the Oakville. Flashy California appeals to me sometimes, just as subtler styles appeal at others. My limited experience is that the Franciscan Oakville can be a good (to very good) mid-tier Cabernet in good vintages. But in more questionable vintages such as '98 & '00, might not be first choice.

I've never tried the '99 Mondavi Oakville, but will keep eyes open. best, Dale

Thanks Ken. I can't read Italian, but with English and some really bad French I attempted to read anyway. It sounds like Montespertoli IS a zone. Did I read that correctly?

I think so, Dale. I'm far from fluent, but I know a little Italian, and I read it the same way you did.

Perhaps one of our native Italian speakers here can confirm (or deny) this.

Ken,

I didn't check enough books. Hugh Johnson's pocket book notes that the Montespertoli was added as a Chianti zone in '97, says it's similar to Colli Fiorentini.

Thanks for your help. Dale

Dale Williams Drop "damnspam" to reply

You're welcome. Any time.

Dale and Ed,

How well do each of you think the 2001 Franciscan will age? If you had one or two bottles and had to guess when it would be at peak, would you open it in perhaps 2007 or 2009?

JK

I have two more, and plan to drink between now and 2010 probably. I don't see this as a long ager, but could probably hold at least till 2014. For my tastes, however, the point in this style wine is the young vibrant fruit. Ideally a couple years to shed a bit of tannin, but pretty tasty now if paired with a steak (I find rare meat with some fat tames tannins well). Dale

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