SAVE THE TAX $7.49 (December 14, 2024 - February 15, 2025)

THE VINTAGE: By all accounts, the quality of grapes in 2022 was exceptional across the board. Unfortunately, the 2022 crop was small, producing on average, just 50% of the yield of previous years. Vintage dated wines from 2022 will be highly sought-after for both their quality and scarcity. Wine outlook for the 2022 vintage is excellent.

WINEMAKER NOTES:  The qualities of the soils in Kacaba’s vineyards situated on the Escarpment bench produce quality wines. The landscape’s elevation and dense clay / loam soils naturally stress the vines which concentrate the flavours in the fruit. This concentration coupled with strategic crop thinning produces balanced tannins with ripe fruit flavours. All fruit for this 2022 Cabernet Franc was harvested in the early morning just after the morning dew at an average of 22 brix. After the morning pick, the clusters were gently destemmed and allowed to cold soak on skins for maximum colour extraction and added mouthfeel, thereafter the juice was allowed to warm and then inoculated with select yeast strains to start the fermentation. Manual pump-overs and punch-downs were performed three times daily for the 15-day duration of the fermentation. After finishing the primary fermentation, the wine was pressed from its skins and racked into French and American oak barrels to finish its malolactic fermentation and to mature in oak. After 18 months the wine was finally racked, filtered and bottled.

TASTING NOTES:  Vibrant moderate ruby colour. Inviting aromas of ripe red fruits, cassis, red flowers, spices and a hint of tobacco, and blackcurrant. The palate is medium weight with fresh raspberry, plum and sweet herb flavours balanced by a seam of vanilla and cedar from both fruit and oak maturation. Drink now or cellar until 2032.

FOOD PAIRING:  This Cabernet Franc drinks great on its own but is a must-try with grilled or braised meats, especially beef, pork, and lamb. Need something for the cool autumn evenings? Pair this wine with rich, hearty stews and casseroles with bold flavours such as game meats, wild mushrooms and truffle. Entertaining? No problem, match with strong and complex cheeses, such as blue cheese, aged cheddar, and Gouda.