On paper, the 2006 growing season seems like a bust, there was nothing spectacular or remarkable about it, considering that it sits right smack dab in-between two very good vintages. But ’06 is one of those vintages that separated the men from the boys (if you’ll forgive my sexist analogy) – good winemakers rose to the top while those of mediocre talent treaded water in hopes of a better vintage next year (which they got). Winemaker Angelo Pavan has been the head winemaker at Cave Spring for … well since the beginning actually in 1986 (you do the math); so he has seen everything Ontario can throw at him. He knows how to make good wine from what Mother Nature offers. With this 2006 Cabernet Franc, he solidifies his reputation with a very coifable red that will still benefit from a few years in the cellar. The nose is cherry, tobacco, cinnamon and vanilla – something I would say has sniff-all-day-edness to it. The palate manages to deliver on the promise of the nose, with good fruit like black cherry and blackberries along with vanilla and the merest hint of wood. Tannins are silky through the mouth, yet dusty on the finish. My notes say, “better than expected” – I was judging the vintage there, not the winemaker. Price: $24.95