2019 Gritstone Cabernet

Our Gritstone Cabernet is named for a very special stone. Near the wine shop entrance, you'll find a Gritstone leaning against a tree. This rare, one piece gritstone is original to the family estate. The Staff family once had a gristmill near the pond, powered by the 16 Mile Creek, to mill grain into flour. The stone's enviable strength and longevity speaks to the wine named for it. 

The 2019 Gritstone Cabernet is a medium-bodied, dry, firmly structured red wine. Sue-Ann vinified the wine from 100% estate grown Cab Franc, and barrel-aged it for 20 months in a selection of American and European oak. The wine's grippy tannins, and bold suggestions of plum, black currant and spice, make it a fabulous wine for winter. Enjoy with strong cheeses, red meat, a plate of bread and olives, venison, and dark chocolate.

For anyone who enjoys cellaring their wines, this is an excellent candidate! Hold this wine for 1-2 years for optimum integration. 

• Alc 13.5%
• RS 3.2 g/L

Sue-Ann Staff Gritstone Cabernet 2019 (90 points) — This 100% Cabernet Franc, named after a unique one-piece gritstone used by Staff’s ancestors to mill grain on the property. It’s barrel-aged for 20 months in a selection of American and European oak and has a bold and sassy nose of ripe cherry kirsch, blueberry pie, raspberry brambly, cedar and oak spice notes. It has grippy tannic structure on the palate and the fruits turn to darker berries of cassis, anise and blueberries with earthy notes, vanilla bean and spice on a finessed finished. Can cellar for a few years for better integration or pair with red meats and enjoy now. ~ Rick VanSickle, Wines In Niagara

 

Appearance: Deep purple colour.
Nose: Cedary, spicy nose of dark chocolate, plum and black currant.
Palate: Medium-bodied, dry, firmly structured flavours of red plum and black currant with oak notes and evident but mellow tannins on the finish.
Quality: Very Good+ / Outstanding. Hold 1 – 2 years.
Critic Rating: 89 – 91 points – Tony Aspler

 

“100% Cabernet Franc aged for 18 months in a selection of French, American, and Hungarian oak barrels. On the nose, fresh cherries, spice and woodsy aromas. The palate delivers a kinetic structure of firm tannins, energetic acidity, and poised dark fruit. Earth and a touch of smoke arrive on a lingering finish.” Score-92, Leah Spooner