2015 Obertura Cabernet Franc

Bright, moderately saturated ruby-red. Musky, almost Syrah-like aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, graphite, spices and violet are complicated by subtle hints of chocolate, leather and game. Suave and fine-grained but at the same time high-pitched and tight, showing lovely tobacco leaf and herbal pungency and scintillating floral lift to its intense currant and black pepper flavors. As fresh and tightly coiled as this wine is, it's not hard or austere. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and subtle rising length. At once deeper and more refined than the Ultra Cabernet.

Showing some liqueur notes, the 2015 Obertura Cabernet Franc has little varietal character and comes through as a ripe red with highish alcohol and moderate acidity. It has some earthy and rustic notes that I often find in ripe and generously oaked reds that give them a similar personality. 5,500 bottles were filled in January 2017. Jun 2018, www.robertparker.com