Original Review ... As Hillebrand waited for their 2004 Cabernet Franc to sell through, the 2005 edition just got better and better as it aged in bottle. As you may be aware, 2005 was the short-crop year in Ontario, but an amazing growing year. Because of the grape tonnage shortfall Hillebrand made only 3 red wines in 2005 … this is the last of those to come to market and the only single varietal (the other two were blends). 12 months in 65% French and 35% American oak, this wine exhibits a lush black cherry/byng cherry, tobacco, cinnamon and vanilla oak nose. In the mouth, it’s soft and silky, with lots of black fruit and oak characteristics. The fruit and oak are still finding their way together, but so far this is one is shaping up to be one lovely wine, an absolute steal for that price. Shows great potential for mid-term aging, best between 2009-2013. Price: $14.95