I am going to Indiana to visit my friend Becky next weekend. While I am out there we are going to visit a couple of Indiana wineries. i thought as an exchange I would bring her a couple of Virginia wines. The first choice that springs to mind is a Cabernet Franc, but which one?

You all know I have been disappointed in the 2005 crop of Cabernet Francs. Fortunately for me, Horton's current release, which is amazing, is their 2000 vintage making it an easy choice.

In addition to a representative varietal I also want a bottle that shows off the talent of Virginia winemakers. For the second bottle I was thinking of Pearmund's Meritage or Tarara's Wild River Red.

Any other suggestions?

Wine: Pearmund Cellars 2003 Ameritage





Review: This is an excellent wine. It is such a good wine that I was actually bummed that I was drinking it alone tonight. It is one of those wines that you want to share with your friends. The blend is 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 6% Malbec and 6% Petite Verdot. Obviously, it is a very complex wine with hints of brambleberry, raspberry, cherry and licorice.

The wine has a strong, but not overpowering, flavor that blends well with food but will also stand on its own.

Price: $23.00

Grade: 95