Harper’s Trail winery in Kamloops, BC has been blazing a trail in this new wine grape growing region of BC. With any new region, the vineyard manager and the wine maker have to learn about their soil, which grape varieties grow best in their soil, the variety of oak barrels that enhance their wines just right, etc. I received a bottle of the Harper’s Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013 to review, and I think what I am experiencing with this wine is that learning process. 2013 is the second vintage of this wine. Read my review.
My Review
Harper’s Trail Thadd Springs Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2013 (BC $29.90) – Slightly translucent, vibrant deep ruby colour in the glass. Light intensity nose with whiffs of plum, raspberry, vanilla and sweet spice. Dry with medium acidity, medium body and fine tannins on the palate. Upon first sip the wine was very mineral with a chalky feel, which subsided a bit after some decanting. Fuller bodied, quite round and silky mouth feel. Flavours primarily of red cherries, black berries, and red currants, with a hint of vanilla. After a re-taste 24 hrs later, I picked up some raspberries, plums, and perfume. Also the chalkiness had disappeared. I was hoping to pick up some cedar flavour or aroma on this wine either upon first opening or with decanting, as it is a characteristic of the Cabernet Franc grape, but it was not there. Medium length with firmer tannins and acidity, and bright red cherry flavour. I think that this wine is maybe too young to really enjoy all that it can offer. I think that maybe things have not yet quite knit together in the bottle, and would suggest waiting for maybe another 6 months before you open this bottle. That being said, I think this wine could further evolve in the bottle, so holding for even longer would be OK.
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Here is my review of the Harper’s Trail Cabernet Franc 2012 vintage.
