Fort Berens Estate Winery, located on a stunning site overlooking the Fraser River in Lillooet, has just released three Cabernet Franc wines, and I had the opportunity to sample two of them.
While the winery offers almost two dozen different wines, it is fair to say that Cabernet Franc is their flagship red wine.
2021 Cabernet Franc
Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Lots of varietal character on the nose, including aromas of black cherry, black currant, plum, spice, sandalwood, leaf, and a hint of truffles. Very good balance with firm ripe tannins. The flavours follow the nose with a medium-plus finish. Ready to drink now with anything off the grill.
91 Points
2021 Cabernet Franc Reserve
Fort Berens Reserve wines are made with 100% estate-grown grapes. These came from the Dry Creek Vineyard. The wine was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, comprising 55% new barrels and 45% second-fill barrels. This is a big wine, with good depth. Dark garnet red with medium-deep intensity. A layered nose with aromas of black currant, blackberry, raspberry, cherry, spice, dusty herbs, pepper, plum, with hints of pencil shavings and smoke. Good balance, with firm, ripe tannins. The flavours follow the nose with a medium-plus finish. Serve this wine in a big-bowled glass to enhance the fruity nose. This wine is ready to drink now and is best served at cellar temperature. We enjoyed it with a curried chicken casserole, but it is also well suited to hickory-smoked barbecued ribs, grilled burgers, and Italian sausages.
93 Points
Not tasted was the 2021 Red Gold, a Cabernet Franc-led Bordeaux-style blend.
See their website for the Cabernet Franc Highlight six-pack special offer.
https://www.fortberens.ca/Wines
(All photos – Sam Hauck).
