Sue-Ann Staff The Gritstone Cabernet 2019

This 100% Cabernet Franc, named after a unique one-piece gritstone used by Staff’s ancestors to mill grain on the property. It’s barrel-aged for 20 months in a selection of American and European oak and has a bold and sassy nose of ripe cherry kirsch, blueberry pie, raspberry brambly, cedar and oak spice notes. It has grippy tannic structure on the palate and the fruits turn to darker berries of cassis, anise and blueberries with earthy notes, vanilla bean and spice on a finessed finish. Can cellar for a few years for better integration or pair with red meats and enjoy now. Score – 90. (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, Dec. 6, 2021)