I have high hopes for the 2015 reds, many may already be lauding the 2016s but having lived in Niagara through the summer of 2015, I know the heat was there to make really good red wine … Chateau des Charmes seems to be keeping my hopes high with their first Franc from the vintage. This is a pretty version with plenty of raspberry and floral notes on the nose followed up with a fruit forwardness on the palate loaded with black cherry, raspberry and a touch of tobacco leaf (a note I expect to find in good Franc). The first few sips seem overtly dry and show the need for time, but in 2-4 years that should round itself off into juiciness. Price: $14.95 – Rating: ****