2003 Tobin James, James Gang Reserve, Paso Robles, Cabernet Franc ($38): Alcohol level: 15.2%. On the nose and upfront incredibly ripe red cherry and blackberry fruit as only Franc can do. On the palate we tasted a complex mélange of mocha, vanillin oak, Paso dirt, and smooth but slightly grainy tannin. The finish lingered and lingered. There was enough fruit and body, that the alcohol was hardly noticeable.
We matched it with braised kielbasa (in Woodbridge Merlot), glazed carrots, and garlic mashed potatoes. Simply wonderful!