16 months may seem like a long time for a 2016 wine to be in barrel, but consider that it was all neutral oak and you have a wine that was just mellowing and marinating in oak instead of seasoning itself … by doing this winemaker Richie Roberts has created a very juicy black fruited Cabernet Franc that is touched by hints of smoky notes … but it’s that dark sweet fruit that rules here – that and the long finish. Price: $42.95 – Rating: ****+