2023 Divergence Cab Franc Petit Verdot (1.5L MAGNUM) | 92+pts

I love everything about this wine, starting with the size 😊 which is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. I also love the price, at $86 for a Magnum. Here’s the story: the plan was to have 100% Petit Verdot, but when the grapes arrived at the winery, the quantity was only a fraction of what was expected.

After some thought, winemaker Jeff Moote decided to put that Petit Verdot into a blend with the star red grape of Niagara, Cab Franc, and produce only 150 bottles in Magnum format. Both varietals came from the prestigious Grimsby Hillside Vineyard, and they spent 15 months in new and used French oak, which is the usual process for reds in Jeff Moote’s portfolio. The result is a very expressive wine, energy, and texture, with floral aromas, black forest cake, beautiful dark and deep colour from the Petit Verdot, and a long spicy finish.

The flavours include red and black cherry, blackberry, licorice, vanilla, and the tannins are soft and dry. I’m expecting the finish to get more juicy over time, but it is already very enjoyable at a young age today. Lots of oak spice on the finish and the natural black cracked pepper characteristic of the Petit Verdot.

This will easily age a decade, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see 15 years before it’s peak. Mira suggests getting at least two of those 😉 (Carl Boucher, October 7, 2026).

Only 150 bottles made.

92+pts Carl’s Wine Club

Grimsby Hillside Vineyard, ON Niagara Peninsula, Lincoln Lakeshore VQA

Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

1.5 L Magnum

Pairings: duck breast w cherry sauce, mushroom Wellington

Drink now until 2035