There’s a movement afoot to use a percentage of American oak in the making of Cabernet Franc wines … here winemaker Emma Garner has used 10% in this 300 case production – cropped at two tons to the acre and aged in 50% new oak. Thirty Bench really has taken great care in crafting this 2012 version. Aromas are floral and herbal with touches of raspberry flickering in and out … Palate shows off a great mouthfeel where those floral and herbal notes show up but are now mingling pleasantly with raspberry, vanilla, white cherries and silky tannins. The finish doesn’t let up either, with great herbal, cherry, vanilla and tobacco notes on the rather lengthy linger. Beware of the 14.5% alcohol that hides within, it’ll seduce you too. This one is too good to miss. Price: $45.00 – Rating: **** ½+