WTN: Nice Loire Cab Franc and Freemark Abbey

http://www.fpwm.com/store/12165%21kermi ... %2C+France

Domain Chanteleuserie Bourgueil Boy what a spelling mine field...even knowing a little French!

Definitely had the stereotypical Loire Cab Franc green-ness, with some savory notes, a core of acidity, and good red plum fruit. What stood out, though was the utterly silky mouth feel. Delicious.

2006 Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Their "basic" bottling. The oak was a little obtrusive at this point in time, but the wine showed quite a bit of class. Rutherford Dust??? Cassis fruit, earthyness. Very dry and quite delicious. Hopefully, the oak will integrate with time?

I've enjoyed recent vintages of Freemark Abbey. it seems like they are back after a string of less good wines which seemed to coincide with their sale to KJ. I had a chance to try their early 90's wines and they were superb.

They remain one of my favorite houses for red wine. Heck, even the California-esque Chardonnay retains some pleasing crispness.