The best things in life aren't free......

A couple colleagues of mine recently returned from the Napa Valley bearing gifts. It is very easy to find a gift for me from the Napa Valley, since some of my favorite things in the world come from that part of the world. Namely Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The first is widely distributed and easy to get, the latter is generally made in very small lots and is not distributed outside the wineries for the most part. 

 The two bottles of Cabernet Franc hauled across the country wrapped in clothing and carefully checked in luggage were irresistible to me. Wine is a lot more difficult to get than it was pre 9/11, as anyone who has wrapped an expensive bottle inside a pair of jeans and hoped for the best can attest. The wine could have/should have been placed in my cellar for a year or two, but life is short and fine Cabernet Franc is too tempting to let sit. The two bottles lasted two nights and now I have nothing left but the delicious memories.

My first bottle was 2006 Darioush Cabernet Franc. I have not visited this winery, located on the southern end of the Silverado Trail, but have passed it many times and admired its architectural beauty. The wine showed spicy dark fruits, smooth and delicious. Specifically blueberry and black cherry, with some of the customary plum and tobacco expected with this variety. The 2006 is 100% Cabernet Franc aged 22 months in French oak. 940 cases where produced. Get some if you can and bring it to me if you wish to give a great gift.

 The second bottle was 2006 Paradigm Cabernet Franc. This is a wine I could drink every day and not get bored. Medium bodied, with delightful fruit. Soft mouthfeel, light tannins, blueberries and plum. This is the epitome of a simply complex yet easy going, approachable, delightful wine. It would go with many cuisines but I would probably choose to drink on its own as there were only 158 cases made and I would simply like to savor its pleasures without interruption!