When I think of Cave Spring I don't usually think Cabernet Franc, instead their name brings to mind their series of luscious Rieslings, but sometimes, a winery can surprise you with what else they make - which is why visiting is always the best way to find out, and taste. From the hot, short 2005 vintage, this Cab Franc is a stunning achievement. The combination of twenty months in a mixture of new French and older Hungarian oak has really brought out an array of flavors and smells. Forefront of which, is the sweet cherries and vanilla that accost the nose when first aerated (swirled) in the glass, then there's the subtle hint of tobacco. The tastes start with red fruit, namely raspberries and strawberries, while dusty tannins course through the mouth leaving behind a smoky, spicy, tobacco finish - next sip, another great experience. Decanting helps to draw out those red fruits and smoothes out those tannins - there's even a wafting of menthol that's peculiar for Ontario, but very welcome in this wine.