So tonight, Cara and I indulged in one of our favorite Cabernet Francs. It had been a long week to say the least, and when we saw a 2011 Darioush Cabernet Franc on the wine list at Ovinté it seemed like kismet. We were in the mood for a supple red wine that would pair well with a warm earthy risotto, candlelight and quiet conversation. The type of wine that slowly releases the week’s tension and makes you feel human again.

The 2011 Darioush Cabernet Franc was a perfect choice. This blend of 93% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec is aged for 22 months in mostly new French oak. Only 672 cases were produced, though there are far fewer bottles available now thanks to our efforts to reduce that figure as often as possible.

A bouquet of dark cherries, blueberries and blackberries, with a hint of violets, leads to richly deep flavors of black currants, raisins, toasted oak and tobacco, which gives way to a velvety dark-chocolate finish. At this age it will definitely benefit from decanting, but after a bit of time to open it’s as deep, rich and smooth as a ballad from Nina Simone.

The Darioush website quotes the following Persian proverb ~ “Show your dreams to others.” With that enlightenment in mind, this is a great wine for Darioush to share with all of us, and for me to share with you.

Cheers!

Suggested pairing:

House of the Rising Sun (Live at The Village Gate) – Nina Simone (1962)
He Was Too Good to Me (Live at The Village Gate) – Nina Simone (1962)
Brown Baby (Live at The Village Gate) – Nina Simone (1962)