A perfect expression of what Cabernet Franc can be. From the wonderful 2002 vintage (are you tired of hearing that yet?) which saw a short spring, long summer growing season and optimal conditions for grapes (perfect temps, excellent ripening), all coming together to make a wonderful vintage. The nose has lots to offer: oak, green pepper, raspberry, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoke and plenty of ripe red fruit. The taste is also big and powerful with cedar, spice, vanilla, dark berries and plenty of mouth drying tannins, there’s also some cracked pepper on the finish. The bold tannins means there’s ageability in this bottle – let’s say a good five years, maybe more (my mind is saying longer but I’d rather err on the cautionary side). Medium finish, mid-weight wine that’s a perfect expression of what Ontario can do with this grape. A big thanks, once again, to Carlo Negri who has been making wine in Ontario longer than anyone, and for showing us once again how great wine is made.