Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards

Well-known for their extensive selection of varietals and blends, dry, sparkling, sweet, and even fortified wines, this family-owned property just celebrated 83 years in the wine business. The Filippi’s are the reason that Cucamonga Valley has its own recognized appellation. This Cabernet Franc, part of their vividly-labeled Artist Series, is dramatic and bold, with the baked fruits of its warm Californian origin showcased in toasty oak, as well as the sort of characters that come across in wine of St. Emilion that are Cabernet Franc dominant.

Bright, lightly saturated garnet with tinges of amber and fairly viscous in the glass, this wine has varietally expressive notes of cherry and wet leaves along with tar, black licorice, molasses and cedar. Clean, round, and smooth on the palate, the flavors mirror the aromas. This well-balanced wine has bright, juicy acidity and a long, tarry finish. This would be delicious with prime rib with Cabernet Franc and vegetable jus, grilled veal chops with balsamic mushroom sauce, rack of lamb encrusted with Parmigiano or Grana Padana cheese, or oven roasted vegetables such as butternut squash with a mushroom wine reduction sprinkled with pecans.

Reviewed August 2, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.