2010 Relic Cabernet Franc The Prior

(15.1% alcohol; an 80/20 blend of cabernet franc and malbec; two-thirds from Stagecoach Vineyard): Good deep color. Expressive nose melds blackberry, licorice, crushed stone, violet and dark chocolate. Broad, concentrated and sweet if a bit less powerful than usual for this bottling, showing good lift to its deep red fruit and tobacco flavors. Strong fruit here, but today the tannins come across as a touch aggressive. Finishes with black fruit flavors and a whiff of rosemary.

Author: Stephen Tanzer

Issue: May/June 2013