Produced from grapes grown in the Blue Rock Vineyard in Alexander Valley, Benziger's 1995 Imagery Series Cabernet Franc provides a seductive, silky mouthful of wine. This deep ruby-colored Cabernet Franc offers up an intense, provocative nose of spice, fruit cake, cedar, and black fruits. On the palate, the wine is round, sweet, elegant, and soft. If it's possible for Cabernet Franc to behave as a sumptuous Pinot Noir, this one does. The wine is not likely to make old bones, nor will it please those who like the feel of rough tannin grinding across the palate, but this is a delicious, stylish, complex, silky-smooth Cabernet Franc to drink over the next 3-4 years. Tel. (800) 989-8890 Fax (707) 935-3018

This family-owned winery continues to turn out an attractive portfolio of well-made wines. Moreover, given the unbelievable pricing strategy being employed by many other California wineries, they remain sensibly priced. The three Imagery Series red wine offerings scored well in my peer group tastings. An attractive wine, the 1994 Cabernet Franc Imagery Series exhibits a dark ruby color, followed by sweet, complex, red and blackcurrant aromas nicely infused with oak and a whiff of menthol. Spicy, medium-bodied, with excellent depth, adequate acidity, but little tannin, this stylish, well-made Cabernet Franc should drink well for the next 5-7 years. Tel. (800) 989-8890