Exceptional Cab Franc from Ontario!

TN: 2012 Malivoire Cabernet Franc VQA 20 Mile Bench, Ontario.

13.5% alc, $31 Cdn, good nat cork, opened one hour. There is also an icewine that might be found on the east coast.

Medium depth in color, no bricking noted. Cherry, green peppers on the nose with some herbs and spice. Inviting for sure.
Initial entry thought is dry, still has some tannins but has a touch reminiscent of the Loire valley.
Well balanced, elegant, earthy, red fruits. "Not overoaked at all" from across the table. Typical cherry notes and hint of bell pepper but a big hit so will go back for more.
I understand that I should also be looking out for the CF from Tawse.

2012 was an excellent vintage across the board for the area. Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, GW, etc. Seek them out. I've acquired several wines from the vintage, from wineries on the US side of the Escarpment.

I did email as to why this CF was not mentioned on their website. Here is the reply>

Hello Bob, you are guessing correctly. Cabernet Franc is a "journeyman" here at Malivoire. If you take this year as an example our production people would love to bottle a 2016 Cabernet Franc because the fruit quality is so high. However, it's a case of high demand versus limited acreage: our small annual cabernet franc yield is heavily committed to some large-volume wines (Malivoire Red, Guilty Men Red and of course Ladybug). If any is left over after those needs are met, we may produce a varietal wine but there is never much and in most years, not enough.

Best Regards;

Eric Nixon
Presentation Manager,
Malivoire Wine Company

Archives.

My last bottle and high expectations!

Reddish purple with thinning rim. Blueberry nose with strawberry and cherry. Still shows some oak.
Dry with light tannins but showed a hint of ripe fruit on day 2.Typical Cab franc imo and bell peppers show on the finish."Tad harsh for me on the palate" from fellow taster. Dark fruits, think mostly blackcurrant?
Overall think this might have shown more development but has time I guess.