Shady Lane Cellars

The Bordelais and most California producers use Cabernet Franc in a Bordeaux varietal blend (Meritage wine). Some Michigan producers do too but many, like Shady Lane, are producing a stand-alone wine bearing all the complexities and layering of a multi-varietal blend.

Sourced from growers in Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula AVA, winemaker Adam Satchwell aged 70 percent of this 2005 Cabernet Franc in 50 percent Romanian and 50 percent American oak, half of which was new. The other 30 percent was tank aged and blended before bottling.

Deep garnet in color with blueberry, dark plum, black currant, dusty/smoky notes and fully-ripe fruit mark the initial impressions of this Cabernet Franc. Wine flavors mirror the aromas in a luxurious, plush, lengthy wine with added notes of vanilla, cola, cocoa and fine tobacco. Pair it with long-cooked meats, lamb shanks, osso buco or pork roast.

If you're seeking to taste pure Cabernet Franc that's been judiciously oaked to carry its appellation identity, at this price, the 2005 Shady Lane Cellars Cabernet Franc is hard to beat -- a real deal, no, probably a steal!

Reviewed March 1, 2007 by Eleanor & Ray Heald.

Other Awards & Accolades

Silver Medal - 2007 Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition