2013 Gran Cabernet Franc XI
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Tasting notes
Moderately saturated medium red. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, dusty spices and rose petal, along with a touch of medicinal herbs. Suaver and more perfumed than the 2012 version, showing a slightly glyceral, very smooth texture to its distinctly saline, fresh flavors of red fruits, red licorice and rose petal. Finishes with ripe, firm tannins and excellent unflagging length. A fascinating Cabernet Franc, quite distinctive in its texture and aromatic profile.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
They are selling Cabernet Franc quite well, so they are soon going to release the 2013 Gran Cabernet Franc, which is produced with grapes from their estate vineyards in Alto Agrelo. It fermented in a combination of concrete and stainless steel vats and new oak barrels with selected yeasts and matured in French barriques for 18 months. It has a nose of baked red peppers and has a sweetish sensation in the palate (even though it's dry) that somehow made me think of a Chinon. It has a lighter color than any other wine from the Gran range, and has a perfumed nose and refined palate. With time in the glass it developed some roasted aromas reminiscent of coffee grains. The integration of the oak is superb, which is a constant across their wines. This is a noteworthy Cabernet Franc, fresher than the last one I tasted, the 2011. 20,000 bottles produced.