2018 The Nest Cabernet Franc

Hickinbotham's 2018 The Nest Cabernet Franc—only the second vintage bottled—aged in 50% new French oak. Winemaker Chris Carpenter says that proportion will be reduced going forward to preserve the wine's cherry blossom and violet characters. This wine is a bit toasty and cedary, then adds floral notes, black cherry fruit and hints of tobacco. More obvious notes of vanilla and mint mark the streamlined, medium to full-bodied palate, which glides into a silky, focused and lengthy finish. Nicely structured, more than rich or voluptuous, this should drink well for a decade or more.