2006 Havens "Bourriquot" Napa Valley Cabernet Franc 67%/Merlot 33% Blend (from 375 ml)
2010 Hart Cellars "Bordertown Red" (70% Cabernet Franc from Don DeMaison vineyard, Niagara County, NY - 30% Merlot from Watson's, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Ont.)
About a year and a half ago, I posted this request for help in finding a benchmark to compare a wine I was making that is 70% Cab Franc and 30% Merlot:
http://www.wineloverspage.com/forum/village/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=35788&p=300210.
Robin answered the call with a suggestion and within a week, Dale had sent me 2006 Havens "Bourriquot" Napa Valley Cabernet Franc/Merlot Blend (375 ml). I bottled my version about 6 months ago and decided it was time to see how they compared, so last night, I had a small, intimate supper for four, making Beef Stroganoff over homemade fettuccini, cooked spinach and sourdough bread, followed by strawberry shortcake. I apparently broke the food pairing rules, as everything I found recommended Gamay.
Both wines were opened about a half-hour before pouring and were the same temperature. The Bourriquot was poured first. Deep color, whiffs of cedar, smoke and dark red fruit. The 14.5% alcohol was evident, but not objectionable. Long, full finish with nicely integrated tannins. Very enjoyable and it worked well with the Stroganoff. After pouring the Bordertown, and comparing them side by side, the amazing thing was how similar the wines were. The Bordertown was lower in alcohol (13.5%), but had a little more acidity and a bit of a spice thing, which might be from using Hungarian oak. My son thought cinnamon, but I didn't get that. Both wines were very enjoyable with the meal. Generally, I don't think it is proper to post TNs on my own wines, but I thought I'd share my satisfaction with this endeavor. It confirms my belief that good wines can be made at home.