2015 Banshee, Cabernet Franc “Alegria Vineyard” Russian River Valley.
The Banshee Wines limited release Cabernet Franc from the Algeria Vineyard in the Russian River is a wonderful and very impressive red that has plenty of dark and vibrant fruit that has hints of varietal character, but is also a pure California expression with a bit of exotic spices, lush ripeness and gorgeous mouth feel. Rumor has it, this Algeria Cab Franc has about 5-7% Sangiovese in the mix, as Algeria is, as I understand it, a traditional old school field blend style vineyard with lots of unique varietals and old vines inter-planted, regardless of it’s true blend, this is a seriously tasty wine with fresh detail and lovely layers of flavors. Banshee is really offering great quality wines, and these 2015’s are the best yet, especially the latest Pinot(s), but don’t miss their Chards and even their Carignan, as well as this Cabernet Franc all of which are worth searching for. The 2015 is bursting with black cherry, raspberry, loganberry and juicy plum fruits along with sexy and racy spices with touches of cinnamon, cedar, pepper, sweet tobacco leaf/cigar wrapper and lavender oil. Light mineral tones and vivid acidity add class to this open knit red and lingering earth, lilac and mure make for a complex and stylish wine that has loads of charisma!
($40 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive
