2010 Penalolen Cabernet Franc

Happy Tuesday!  Man this summer is going by fast, I just can't believe it!  Well in any case, this week has been unseasonably cool, which is always fine by me, but it's still warm enough to grill out some steaks and sip some wine on the patio.  Tonight I've opened a bottle of 2010 Penalolen Cabernet Franc from the Casablanca Valley of Chile, an area with a somewhat cooler climate that's ideal for Cabernet Franc.

The color is a deep ruby in the glass, that's almost black at the center.  The nose evokes wild berries, raspberries and cassis along with freshly cut grass.  The taste is somewhat fruit forward, with flavors of ripe raspberry and plum at the outset that edges toward tart cherry and some dusty limestone notes midpalate.  The tannins are nicely integrated, leading to a smooth and very dry finish.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 7.5, it's a very nice example of the varietal that would pair well with a variety of dishes.  It was also a terrific value at just $10 from Wineshopper.com, illustrating the bargains to be had from South American producers!  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with a nice grilled Angus T-bone, baked potato and haricots verts almondine.  The earthy herbal notes in this wine make it ideal with steak or flavorful Latin dishes.  Salut!