I recently (May) took part in a Cabernet Franc eastcoast tasting panel with Lenn Thompson of the Cork Report, Keith Beavers of Vinepair, Allison Slute of Cabernet Franc Chronicles, and Byron Elmendorf winemaker at Macari Vineyards.
DuCard Vineyards is a boutique winery and vineyard in Madison County, Virginia not far from Shenandoah National Park. Scott Elliff, a grape grower, founded DuCard around 2004. DuCard is a well respected producer of quality wines. Julien Durantie is the award-winning winegrower and winemaker at DuCard Vineyards, bringing childhood experience from his family’s Bordeaux vineyard to us.
DuCard Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2023 is a stainless steel, vibrant red wine made in the Bourgueil-style (a commune in the Indre-et-Loire department in central France - Bourgueil. Commune). This wine starts off with ripe red cherry. Notes of plum and cranberry. A hint of eucalyptus. This is a very seductive wine with a pretty, soft middle. There's vanilla, orange pekoe tea, and white pepper on the finish. Dark red fruit lingered and lingered after the sip was finished. One of the best wines of the tasting.
Sexy and seductive. A terrific bottle of wine!
