Wine Recommendation
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Wine Recommendation

Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Franc Artist Series Reserve, Hippard Ranch Etiwanda (Cucamonga Valley)

Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards

2003 Cabernet Franc Artist Series Reserve, Hippard Ranch Etiwanda
(Cucamonga Valley)



Well-known for their extensive selection of varietals and blends, dry, sparkling, sweet, and even fortified wines, this family-owned property just celebrated 83 years in the wine business. The Filippi’s are the reason that Cucamonga Valley has its own recognized appellation. This Cabernet Franc, part of their vividly-labeled Artist Series, is dramatic and bold, with the baked fruits of its warm Californian origin showcased in toasty oak, as well as the sort of characters that come across in wine of St. Emilion that are Cabernet Franc dominant.

Bright, lightly saturated garnet with tinges of amber and fairly viscous in the glass, this wine has varietally expressive notes of cherry and wet leaves along with tar, black licorice, molasses and cedar. Clean, round, and smooth on the palate, the flavors mirror the aromas. This well-balanced wine has bright, juicy acidity and a long, tarry finish. This would be delicious with prime rib with Cabernet Franc and vegetable jus, grilled veal chops with balsamic mushroom sauce, rack of lamb encrusted with Parmigiano or Grana Padana cheese, or oven roasted vegetables such as butternut squash with a mushroom wine reduction sprinkled with pecans.

Reviewed August 2, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.

The Wine

Winery: Joseph Filippi Winery & Vineyards
Vineyard: Hippard Ranch Etiwanda
Vintage: 2003
Wine: Cabernet Franc Artist Series Reserve
Appellation: Cucamonga Valley
Grape: Cabernet Franc
Price: 750ml $28.00

Review Date: 8/2/2007

The Reviewer

Catherine Fallis

Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth.