Tasting Notes: Jackson-Triggs 2005 Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon

When you see the phrase, “fine Canadian wine”, you probably see it as an oxymoron, like “military intelligence” or “jumbo shrimp”. However you would be sadly mistaken, for there are parts of Canada that produce some very fine wines indeed. One of my favorite regions is the Niagara-on-th-Lake area just north of Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Due to geologic happenstance, this region can produce some exquisite vintages.

Tonight I’m tasting a 2005 Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon blend by Jackson-Triggs under their Proprietor's Edition label. This is a Niagara Estates vintage.  At first I thought I should have waited another year before opening this bottle, but after an hour or so the wine really came into its own.

There are notes of of cherry and cassis with a gentle spiciness and a wafting of tobacco. The wine ends with long tannic finish. I served it with a marinated and grilled flank steak, if that is of any interest to you.

This is a solid wine, although it won’t knock anyone’s socks off. Still, if you can get your hands on some Jackson-Triggs I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. According to their web site, the 2007 vintage was released in August 2009.

It is very hard to fine Canadian wines like this, even in central NY. Whenever we go to Canada I make it a point to bring a few back since the winery can’t ship directly outside of Canada. You can look forward to other Canadian tastings.