TN: 2001 Bedford Thompson Cabernet Franc - Santa Barbara County
Wow. I mean, wow. I actually found this on the wine list of what used to be known as American Flatbread, but now goes by the name of Full of Life Flatbread, for twenty bucks. $20. I took a chance, and feel as if I hit the lottery.
Actually, the server came back to the table to let me know that my first choice, a Palmina Barbera, was unavailable, and would I like to choose something else. By this time, our starters had been served, so I put my glasses back on, took the wine list, and made an emergency pick.
The wine was blood red, and initially, a bit fumey. I thought I was in trouble with a wine that had gone south, but after a few minutes in the glass it began to sing.
It was quite ripe, and the fruit was very up front. If there once were tannins, they had melted away to almost nothing, and the wine had the most beautiful aroma of old leather book binding. It suggested, but stopped short of, Bordeaux with some bottle age.
This was just a beautiful Cab Franc.
This restaurant continues to delight me with inventive pizzas. Last night's was:
Merguez Sausage Flatbread:
Old Creek Ranch Lamb and Oranges, Windrose Farm Thai Bird Chilis, La Quercia Guancilae,(sic) Red Onions, Lamb Sugo, Smoked Mozzarella
It was one of the better ones I've had there. Highly recommended. Just don't expect to order the Bedford Thompson. I think I got the last bottle.