The 2010 version of this wine won best red in Canada at the All Canadian Wine Championships and for good reason … it was utterly amazing. The 2011 suffers from a lesser vintage – as 2011 wasn’t as generous with the heat as 2010 – but it’s still a pretty bottle of Franc. Aromas are typically Franc-esque: cigar smoke and raspberry; palate has good spice and a nice fruit combo of raspberry, cassis and cherry. The 2011 doesn’t have the power of the previous vintage but it drinks well, and has elegance and finesse on its side. Price: $40.00 – Rating: ****+