2022 Cabernet Franc — Grimsby Hillside Vineyard
Regular price $55.00
Unit price per
93 PTS — Rick VanSickle
“This was aged for 20 months in French oak barriques, with a 50-50 split between new and second fill barrels. 14% Viognier was added to the blend to brighten the palate and lift aromatics. Wow, this is so deep and layered on the both the nose and palate with aromas of brambly red berries, cassis, plums, floral notes, a touch of herbs and perfumed spices. It’s rich and concentrated on the palate with assertive structure, tannins, a bevy of ripe red berries, savoury herbs, plums and spice all leading to long, echoing, lifted finish. Can cellar this to 2032.
92+PTS — Carl Boucher
“I spent multiple days digging into that wine, finding from the start that there was a ‘je ne sais quoi.’ As the days went by, the wine got better and better, and that’s when I found out the secret sauce: there's 14% Viognier in the blend!
Add in the 50% new French oak, and it gives you a rich and expressive wine. 100% of the fruits come from the iconic Grimsby Hillside Vineyard in Niagara. Aromas of strawberry and cream, maraschino cherry, mocha, and slight herbal notes. Truly appealing. On the palate, beautifully integrated oak and a nice spice on the finish adding layers. Fantastic all around! Tasted August 2026.
91 PTS — David Lawrason
“This lively, lovely and quite elegant Cabernet Franc is from the renowned Grimsby Hillside Vineyard, an historic site that has been replanted for high quality grapes sold to various wineries in Ontario. This is nicely fragrant with classic raspberry/currant fruit, red rose, pepper and barrel spice. There is excellent concentration, sour-edged slightly volatile energy. The tannins finely grippy. The length is excellent. Tasted February 2026.
Hand harvested, destemmed and fermented naturally. Pressed after 3 weeks on skins. Put to French Oak barrels to age for 20 months. Blended with a touch of Viognier to to enhance the beautiful, pure fruit aromatics. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with a minimal addition of sulphur.
A beautiful and rich wine with a nose akin to black forest cake, layers of chocolate with rich cherries and raspberries. The palate has a strong tannic backbone with a full mouthfeel. The finish is interlaced with dark chocolate and kirsch.
Best 2028-2032.