For a mainly Burgundy/Beaujolais house (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Gamay) it's funny to see a grape like Cabernet Franc enter their portfolio as a standalone wine - but it's no laughing matter when it is this dang good. Winemaker Shiraz Mottiar has been making Franc since 2008 but it has taken time for Malivoire to release it as a standalone. Here 14-16 months in oak (with minimal new) in an excitingly hot vintage has created a raspberry, smoky-cherry nose that follows on to the palate with spices to the tune of vanilla and cinnamon, mixing it up with smoky-dark fruit ... its aggressive tannins will mellow with time to show off that lush fruit, but it needs time; say 5+ years. Price: $24.95 - Rating: ****+