They’re not the first, nor will they be the last, but Cave Spring has decided to experiment with some old-world winemaking practices on one of their wines. Winemaker Angelo Pavan was thrilled (so I am told) when they came up with the idea of bringing a little Italy to the winery … namely melding the Amarone-style of winemaking to a Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. “La Penna” is 85% Franc, but what makes it special is the 15% Sauvignon that they bring to the blend in a “Passimento”-style (think Amarone and dried grapes). The nose is rich and ripe with great plumminess along with black cherries, in the mouth, there’s even more going on – rich vibrant red fruit: raspberries, cherries and plums – slightly dusty tannins fill this one out nicely, and the heat from the 14% alcohol is barely noticeable on either the nose or in the mouth. Here’s yet another Cave Spring wine that can see the darkness of your cellar for 10+ years. And talk about a rarity, only 200 cases were made and it is available only at the winery. You’ve got to get down there to try it … and oh, bring some money too, because once you try it you’ll definitely want to buy it.