Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Franc 2007

Oliver, BC
$26-30 available at winery and at private liquor stores
www.hestercreek.com

Though this estate has had its ups and downs over the past decades, it is now firmly situated to be one of the Okanagan’s premiere wineries. All the pieces are in place: Location (check – ideally located in the heart of the Golden Mile), Winemaker (check – Robert Summers, with two decades of experience including a long stint as national winemaker for Andrew Peller Ltd.), Facilities (check – millions of dollars in renovations over the past 5 years to create a modern, 35,000-case winery and improvements in the vineyard) and History (check – vinifera grapes have been grown on this site since 1968, yielding some of the oldest in the entire Valley).

Considering all that has gone into this property, and the realization of that potential, it’s surprising that the wines are as reasonably priced as they are. Take this Reserve Cab Franc for instance. 40 year old vines are used in this bottling, opening with aromas of cherries, raspberries and cedar smoke. The palate is full and smooth, with notes of anise, vanilla, savoury cherry, and earthy rusticity. A lingering spice on the finish is welcome. This would make a nice bottle with herbed Salt Spring lamb chop or spiced bison sausages.

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Hester Creek Reserve Cabernet Franc 2007

40 year old vines, some of the oldest in the Okanagan, are used in this bottling, opening with aromas of cherries, raspberries and cedar smoke. The palate is full and smooth, with notes of anise, vanilla, savoury cherry, and earthy rusticity. A lingering spice on the finish is welcome. This would make a nice bottle with herbed Salt Spring lamb chop or spiced bison sausage