October 2006 Wine Tasting Notes:
2002 Rio Seco Estate Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles.
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This offering is deep smoky garnet in color with good clarity. A focused, fruity nose of currant and cherry with a prominent note of black olive backed by hints of moist earth and truffle. The palate is a bit more reserved but displays clear dark cherry and blackberry with notes of hard spice. The medium finish continues with a center of berry and currant with hints of hard spice, tobacco and a lightly floral end of violets. Tannins are a bit firm, the acidity is soft and alcohol level is nice and tame. |
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RWB Score: 89 breakdown 13.3% Alcohol $24.00 Retail (from winery); 175 cases produced. |
A forward, maturing wine with purity of fruit. Elegant in composition and balance. This rustically styled wine, reminiscent of Old World style wines, reflects the growing and wine making philosophy of Rio Seco. Lower medium body with a silky mouthfeel as well as the backbone to evolve and mature over the next 5 years or so. This wine will be a refreshing change of pace for those who enjoy balanced and fruit-forward but not confected wines. A good companion to refined dishes with complex sauces and flavors. |
More Rio Seco reviews
Detail
100% estate grown Clone 332 Cabernet Franc planted in 1997. Picked at 23.5 - 24 Brix and aged 24 months in 20% new French Oak barrels.
The 2002 year was characterized by a long and dry growing season with mild temperatures that gave the fruit extended time to develop complexity and depth. In addition, minimal heat peaks allowed the grapes to develop high acid levels. Paso Robles wines grapes were expected to produce excellent, concentrated and balanced wines from this vintage - which is reflected in the two Rio Seco Cabernets reviewed this month.
The highly vigorous clone 332 makes for well balanced aromatic wines. Of French origin, it is one the most commonly planted clones of Cabernet Franc in the US. Cabernet Franc makes for generally a fruitier and less tannic wines than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rio Seco Vineyards was acquired in 1996 by San Luis Obispo locals Tom and Carol Hinkle. 31 acres of the 63 acre estate are planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Roussanne, Viognier and Zinfandel. They tend to harvest their grapes at slightly lower sugar levels and utilize natural fermentation (letting the native yeasts on the grapes ferment the juice rather than adding cultured yeasts) and give the wine 9-12 months in bottle before release. The wines from their nine year old winery have been producing measured, well balanced wines since the 2001 vintage.
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4 points |
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Nose |
4 points |
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Palate |
3 points |
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Finish |
3 points |
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Tannins |
5 points |
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Acidity |
5 points |
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Alcohol |
5 points |
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Aging potential |
2 points |
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Overall quality |
8 points |
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