2020 Vineland “Bo-teek Vineyard” Clone 214 Cabernet Franc

This is a darker, more linear, more energetic wine than his half-brother single clone 327. Same winemaking (18 months in neutral French oak), same grape, from vines 10 years younger, and yet the difference is absolutely fascinating. On the nose, the aromas offer more floral notes, darker fruits like black currant and black berry, with espresso coffee and cigar box. The palate is tighter, the tannins are stiffer and the alcohol level a tad lower which results in a more directional wine. Flavours of black cherry, blackberry, red pepper jelly, bitter dark chocolate, and sweet tobacco leaves. The finish is also spicy highlighting fresh cracked black pepper in this case instead of the white pepper from the other single clone. I’m expecting the Clone 214 to outlast the 327 in the long run.