Cabernet Franc is a grape that I have always admired, but it seldom is allowed to stand on its own, as it is mostly used to add structure and aroma to Bordeaux wines and blends of this ilk from around the world.

I have been paying close attention to the buzz out of Argentina lately and when Alejandro Vigil, the chief winemaker at Catena Zapata says “Cabernet Franc is the future of Argentina” I listen. The Catena family is the founder of the modern era of wine success in their country and although their Cabernet Franc will arrive soon, it is one from Fabre Montmayou that we have just unloaded into our cellars.

Jancis Robinson, UK wine critic, feels that Cabernet Franc is more “feminine” than Cabernet Sauvignon and she “for one hopes that we will continue to see more Cabernet Franc dominated wines as they are just so easy to drink”. In fact would you believe that Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc are the “parents” of Cabernet Sauvignon, a truth that was only established by DNA tests in 1996 at the University of California at Davis.

Only four percent of the vineyard acreage is planted to Cabernet Franc in Mendoza but we have managed to buy the Fabre Montmayou 2012 Reserva Cabernet Franc and like all of our offerings from this family, that emigrated from Bordeaux 25 years ago, it is so reasonable at only $14.90. High mountain vineyards give us the dark fruits and extensive mouth-feel that I appreciate so much.

Paso Robles wines are “in” as are red blends and so we are excited about a brand new arrival from a historic winery. From the 600-acre Camatta Hills Vineyard, that belongs to Beringer (established in Napa Valley in 1876), we have their inaugural release of Waymaker 2012. This wine consists of 57 percent Syrah, 37 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, four percent Petit Syrah and two percent Malbec.

A bottle is sitting on my desk and, as I have not popped the cork, yet let me quote winemaker Laurie Hook; “enticing aromatics of blue fruits accented by floral and dusty notes. Full-bodied and juicy, the blend showcases tannins that soften nicely, ripe plum and blueberry flavours accented by hints of smoky bacon (that is the Syrah kicking in) and a lingering, mouthwatering finish”. $30.70 for the Beringer “Waymaker” 2012 from Paso Robles.

Still on the path of red blends we have also recently acquired a 45 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot, 20 percent Carmenere, seven percent Syrah and three percent Cabernet Franc and the name would be a good candidate for the stupid question category on Jeopardy as the Veramonte Winery merely calls it Red Blend. Merlot from the cool climate of Casablanca adds bright notes of cherry and raspberry; Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from their Apalta estate adds dark notes of fig, blackberry and black currant, as well as richness and structure; Carmenere and Cabernet Franc from their Marchigue vineyard round the wine off with earthiness and a hint of spice. By now you may have figured out that we are in Chile and I should add that Veramonte farms all its land sustainably. This is a good candidate to enjoy with a piece of dark chocolate, which will be easy to afford as you will only pay $15.50 for a bottle of Veramonte 2012 Red Blend.

This column is a paid for advertorial for Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. Michael Robinson is Director of Wine at Burrows Lightbourn Ltd. He can be contacted at mrobinson@bll.bm or 295-0176. Burrows Lightbourn have stores in Hamilton (Front Street East. 295-1554), Paget (Harbour Road, 236-0355) and St. George’s (York Street, 297-0409). A selection of their wines, beers and spirits are available online at www.wineonline.bm.