Featured Accolades
"It has been years since I tasted the St. David's Bench Cab Franc from Château des Charmes, and they have a continual winner of wine that could have been diverted to Equuleus. It has some over-the-top full-bodied black spicy fruit while still retaining some cranberries and bell peppers, slightly augmented with some pine/cedar tones. Aged for a year in 1 – 2 year-old French oak with some toast. Not made every year, and this is the ONLY Cab Franc Chât des Charmes produces. Sip as a meditative drink or with red meat/cheese. Cork closure, keep it around for a while. I opened my bottle and did a double-decant followed by several days of open bottle sampling." 91 points -- Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures, June 2019
"A full-bodied, dry and youthful cabernet franc offering notes of graphite, new leather, iodine and black fruit. The tannins are still new and somewhat tacky but the fruit is concentrated and fully (but not overly) ripened. Still some tension and avoids and jammy flavours although there is some warmth on the finish. Very good concentration for the price." 89 points -- Sara d'Amato, WineAlign, June 2019
"A conspiratorial perfect storm has gathered to lift cabernet franc from St. David's Bench out of the 2016 vintage for to fall into a right place. The warmth from location and vintage is more than evident as noted by florals, full fruit compliment and a body to match. This cabernet franc has achieved dual ripeness citizenship, carrying both sugar and phenolic passports. It is free to travel anywhere, across borders, make smiles of sour unbelievers and please as it should. It's a big one to be sure but also balanced, if a bit chalky at present, which will soon liquify, liquidate and blend into the scenery. Drink 2020-2024." 91 points -- Michael Godel, WineAlign, July 2019
"Killer bottle of Cabernet Franc here, and there is just so much to get excited about, from the silky, smooth entry through the supple mid-palate. Smoky notes backed by raspberry and subtle cherry fruit, plus good tannin backbone and a slight smoky/tobacco finish – this is delicious and ready to drink now, but will also reward time in the cellar, say 5-7 years." 4+/5 stars -- Michael Pinkus, Wine Review with Michael Pinkus, October 2019
