Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon - 2005

The 2005 Franciscan Cabernet will knock your proverbial socks off. Priced at under $20 (www.binnys.com), this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and Malbec has a dense, dark purple hue with a strong yet well structured balance of oak, berries and chocolate. From the first moment the liquid touched my lips, I could tell it was a big wine that will certainly improve after a few additional years of maturing.

During the Napa trip last August, Franciscan was a vineyard that we visited on a chamber-of-commerce day in Northern California. Samantha was our personal wine consultant and we enjoyed sampling the Cabernet, Cuvee Sauvage and Magnificat, all three (3) oustanding wines, along with a variety of water crackers and cheeses.

While Franciscan was excellent with sloppy joe's and twice baked potatoes during dinner, it was extremely helpful in its supporting role of my creation of a painting that will accompany the Steve Penley Chimney Rock.

Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - <>< <>< <>< <>< (4) - $18.99

Steve Penley - Chimney Rock

Since the previous posting of Georgia artist Steve Penley, I have acquired the following painting that elegantly displays a 2005 Chimney Rock wine bottle. The visually accurate depiction of the bottle is surrounded by vivid brushstrokes in colors that accentuate the subject while also allowing the painting to blend into whatever space surrounds it.

For those interested, the 2005 Chimney Rock vintage has a deep garnet color, an intense aroma of fruit and vanilla, with a velvety taste upon the palate. This wine is LUSCIOUS in one word, but you would expect that with a price tag of $50+.

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