When in Doubt, Go Franciscan

Franciscan's Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was probably the first really good readily available Cab Pris and I tried when we were first together.  We were first introduced to it at a roaming Christmas party sponsored by Futuro McAllen.  At the final stop of the night our bottle of Luna de Luna Sangiovese/Merlot blend had run dry and we were getting ready to leave.  One of the other party goers asked if we'd share her bottle since it was too good to drink alone.  The bottle was Franciscan's Cab of an unremembered vintage and it was really good. 

I couldn't tell you the specifics, but I  remember it being good.  I also remember being told to chew the wine.  In fact that's probably what I remember most.  Our slightly inebriated benefactor was very insistent that we "chew the wine" to really get the flavor out of it.  So we chewed the wine, and you really get the flavor out of it.  Apparently the chewing motion opens the taste buds more than if you simply sip the beverage. 

With this in mind we opened up a bottle of the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon last Sunday to go with our Father's Day meal.  This is a big bold Cab with lots of flavor.  It's loaded with heavy dark fruits (think blackberry, cherry and cassis).  There are some mineral undertones as well.  Big tannins provide a big dry finish.  In short, this is a perfect California Cab.

We picked up this particular bottle at Jones Liquor.  They run specials on Franciscan that can't be beat.  This sale price was around $17, but it normally retails around $20.  Jones always has Franciscan, but you can also find it at HEB and Feldman's.  This makes it a great go-to wine for any type of special event, or if you need to take a bottle to a function.  At $20 it used to be a rare/special occasion wine for Pris and I.  That's changed a little these days, and we always try to keep a bottle on hand.  For us this wine is perfect for when we want a great wine we know we're really going to enjoy and we can easily replace. You just can't go wrong with Franciscan's Cabernet Sauvignon.  You can get more info about Franciscan at: http://www.franciscan.com/flash/index2.cfm?month=9&day=26&year=1968&x=56&y=26