2015 Oakville East Cabernet Franc – A Great Wine With Filet Mignon Kabob’s
The Name – Franc ‘N Stern
The name is intriguing as is Elliot Stern, owner, who has called his Cabernet Franc, Franc ‘N Stern since the introduction. I met Elliot many, many years ago and went through his lineup of wines at his kitchen table. I immediately enjoyed his Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc. I have always kept both in the cellar as “trophy wines”. The Franc ‘N Stern Cabernet Franc is an easily remembered name and his wine notes are whimsical and play on the “Frankenstein or Frankenstern” theme. His notes alone are price worthy.
The Wine
On the eyes this wine is extremely dark purple with dark crimson red hues and full body. On the nose, dark fruits, pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and fresh ground black pepper. On the palate, spices, including bell pepper, along with blackberries swarm the mouth with enticing polarizing flavors. Defined yet velvety tannins with some edginess provides a medium long finish. Also a trace of dark chocolate on the finish. As Elliot states in his humorous notes, “IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE!!” The current release of this wine retails for $100 and is worth every penny. At the annual International Cabernet Franc Competition & Celebration his wines have received both Gold and Silver Medals over the years in a very competitive bracket.
The Food Pairing
Paired this evening with a filet mignon kabob marinated in Kinder’s Sweet and Spicy sauce. BBQ’ed with pieces of red & yellow bell peppers, mushrooms, purple onions and pineapple. The wine with its pyrazines and embracing dark fruits made this a delightful meal. In fact, at dinner we put this wine & food pairing in the top 10 of the year!
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 