REW 2020 Onyx Cabernet Franc

The Vintage:

2020 was a remarkable year for weather and wine in Ontario, with all winegrowing regions being treated with excellent weather conditions. Once spring arrived for good, the growing season went underway with lots of sunshine and low humidity with more rain towards the end of May. During June – July, temperatures were above average with low amounts of precipitation. August displayed similar high temperatures but also brought in a fair share of heavy, but isolated showers. Sunny and dry conditions continued throughout September – October providing ideal weather for the full and complete maturation of grapes. Overall, the quantity of grapes was down slightly, but the quality of the fruit made up for it!

Vinification:

Onyx Cabernet Franc was hand-harvested from our Heron Pond Benchland Vineyard on October 14, 2020 at 24.5⁰ Brix and slow dried for 82 days in our custom designed Appassimento drying chamber. Upon reaching 29.2⁰ Brix and 27% juice reduction, the dried berries were fermented in a small tank for about 2 weeks. While pressing, only the ‘free-run’ must was collected and transferred to French Oak barrels (50% new) and aged for 25 months. Only 2 barrels of Onyx were produced.

Impressions:

A deep and brooding bouquet of dried cherry, licorice, dark plums, dried figs, and cassis, mixed with bold oak spices and earthy notes. The rich and substantive palate is densely packed with flavors of black cherry, red currant, anise, clove, and spicy cinnamon. This wine displays a long finish with notes of vanilla and coconut, with a warming sensation from the alcohol and delicate acidity providing balance.

Alcohol: 17.0% alc/vol

Appellation: VQA Beamsville Bench VQA

Residual Sugar: 5.0g/L

Cases Produced: 50 cases