Crushed thyme, violet, singed rosemary and black pepper make for a pretty, earthy entry to this red. The palate is velvety smooth in feel, showing a juicy red cherry flavor that's propped up by well-mannered tannins. A streak of graphite chimes in on the finish, giving a mouthwatering tang to the close.

The 2017 Cabernet Franc Caya also has 10% Merlot, all aged for 21 months in 30% new (almost all French) barriques. It comes in at 13.8% alcohol. Intense and powerful, this wine's structure initially obscures the fruit. This comes around nicely in the glass after an hour or so, though, seeming lusher and rather expressive. Beautifully textured, this caresses the palate too. What you are going to need here is patience, though. Unlike some in this report, the tannins are not so hard as to call into question whether this will succeed-it sure seems that it will-but it still needs a year or two to come into better balance, at least. It should age very well thereafter.