ARGENTINA
CABERNET FRANC
93 Zorzal 2017 Eggo Franco Cabernet Franc (Tupungato). Dusty cherry and berry aromas are earthy and highly natural, with no overripe notes or oak. A full, ripe palate offers fine balance between weight and elegance, while this tastes of clean black fruits prior to a finish with dry tannins. This is fresh and exact, with little of the herbal character that often comes with Cabernet Franc. Drink through 2025. Brazos Wine Imports. —M.S.
abv: 13.5% Price: $30
93 Zuccardi 2018 Poligonos del Valle de Uco San Pablo Cabernet Franc (Uco Valley). This racy Cabernet Franc from winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi is made entirely in concrete. Plum and berry tones are full and fresh on the nose and palate, while flavors of black fruit, herbs, tea and tomato linger on the smooth finish. Drink through 2024. Winesellers, Ltd. Editors’ Choice. —M.S.
abv: 13.5% Price: $30
92 Casarena 2017 Single Vineyard Lauren’s Vineyard Agrelo Cabernet Franc (Luján de Cuyo). Tightly wound black fruit aromas come with tension as opposed to being overripe and overoaked. This Cab Franc is lively and powerful, with tolerable tartaric scratchiness. Ripe berry, cassis and dark plum flavors are lightly spiced prior to a lusty but short finish with a touch of heat. Drink through 2025. Vine Connections. —M.S.
abv: 14.2% Price: $30
Spicy oak aromas play nicely with core blackberry and black plum scents. On the palate, this is chewy and concentrated, with hard tannins. Generous flavors of black fruits, dried beef, herbs and chocolaty oak yield to spice and vanilla on the finish. While this is an excellent and full-flavored red with. —M.S.
