Tasting Note – This is a bit of a wild child – a very generous, open-knit, warming energized and almost chaotic cabernet franc. The nose is very lifted, with a compote of almost rhubarb-raspberry crisp, tomato leaf, meaty notes and well embedded oak spice. Very complex actually, so ticking that box. And ticking intensity too. It is quite full bodied and hot (although only showing average 13.5% alcohol). On the finish there is considerable green, gritty tannin and bitterness. Losing some points in the balance department. The flavour intensity and length are excellent. This has the stuffing to age well, so I would suggest doing that and having a look in 2029. 

Backgrounder – Ravine, with its re-constructed, historic early 19^th Century house, is the focal point of the village of St. Davids. It is owned by the 4^th and 5^th generations of the Harber family, with chef proprietor Paul Harber having created one to best winery restaurants in Niagara. Its wines are also the focal point of the St. Davids Bench appellation, at the base of the escarpment between St. Catharines and the Niagara River. St. Davids is the warmest sub-appellation in Niagara, and Ravine reflects this is a strong range of Bordeaux reds and whites that often show considerable power. The 2023 vintage was excellent for this genre, with a long hang time through excellent autumn weather. This 100% cab franc was harvested very late on November 13, 2023.  It was sourced from two blocks on the property, the Creek Road and Lonna’s Block.  It was aged 18 months in French oak.

Accolades: Silver Medal National Wine Awards of Canada 2026