We all know Thomas Bachelder can make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but I am continually shocked and surprised, happily so, by his ability to get my Cabernet Franc jones satisfied. In 2016 he cut it with 12% Merlot (as he has done in the past with varying percentages) but the Franc character still shines thru. Cranking up the new oak this year to around 30% but the Franc handled that as well and didn’t bat a lash: smoky, tobacco, earthy with loads of dark fruit: black cherry, black raspberry and signs of cassis in the background. This one needs 2 years to mellow but easily has a decade or more ahead of it.  Price: $27.95 – Rating: ****+