This lovely Cab Franc offers a softer, gentler version of Von Strasser’s Cabernet Sauvignons. It shows the same dense mountain tannins and dryness, but is comprised of red cherry, red currant and violet flavors, in addition to the sweet smoky oak. Best now, with decanting, and through 2011.——S.H.(12/1/2009)—— 90

Direct, with trim herb, currant, coffee and sage notes that have good intensity and dusty tannins. Drink now. 200 cases made. -MW

It’s terribly hard to make an expensive, upscale Cab Franc that succeeds. The variety on its own tends toward cherry fruit simplicity. In this bottling, von Strasser has added Merlot and even Zinfandel to perk things up with dark stone fruit and tannic depth. It’s an elegant, dry wine, but at this price, not in the same league as their fabulous Cabernet Sauvignons.——S.H.(4/1/2008)—— 87

Tightly wound, firm and concentrated, with a chewy tannin backbone, but also a pretty core of spicy cherry and currant fruit. The tannins are a concern. Drink now through 2011. 200 cases made. -JL