Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a powerful and concentrated cabernet franc, but the ripeness and the dry tannins may be a tad too much for the redcurrants. Long, slightly warm finish.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The ruby colored and harmonious 2017 Pioneer Cabernet Franc has an elegant and balanced personality, which is a common feature in the four wines I tasted from the Argentinean venture of the Tarapacá group from Chile. It's varietal and spicy, with a medium body and very fine tannins, nicely textured and approachable.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.