Erie Shores is a winery that proves the old adage, “it pays to specialize.” They are a winery which concentrates their efforts on a handful of grapes from which they feel they can grow and makes very good wines; one of those grapes is my favourite: Cabernet Franc. This reserve spent 20 months in 3 year old French oak barrels. Owner Harvey Hollingshead said its his best Franc to date. When asked how it compared to the 2002 he balks and says, “in ’02 the vines were too young to withstand the hot dry summer, three years later, they could and it made for a better vintage.” And he’s not kidding – the nose is black as in burnt toffee and coffee aromas, green pepper and oak also find their way into the mix. Sip and swallow and you’ll find black pepper, green pepper, black fruit, raspberry and a righteously tannic finish. As Fonzie said, “Sit on it”, for another year or so, but this one’ll drink well for at least the next 7 – so you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy it. Only 30 cases left at the winery as of July 12, 2008. Price: $18.95