Cabernet Franc is a difficult variety to make by itself in California, which is why so few wineries do. Reverie gives it a good try. Their ’09 is quite tasty in cherries, minerals and oak, with distinguished mountain tannins and a savory, spicy finish. But it’s not one for the cellar, so drink before 2014.——S.H.(4/1/2012)—— 90

Not clear that Cab Franc deserves a bottling on its own, as it’s better as a blending wine. That said, this is a pretty, polished red wine, full-bodied and dry in cherry, spice and oak flavors. Drink now and over the next five years. ——S.H.(6/1/2011)—— 88

Hard, tough in tannins, and unrewarding. There’s not enough cherry and currant fruit to break through the astringency and give you a reason to drink it.——S.H.(8/1/2010)—— 84

There’s a fine wine in here, but it needs a little time for those pesky tannins to soften. They coat the mouth with astringency, making it hard to appreciate the fruit. But the fruit is there, in the form of pure, sweet cherries. It’s not a longterm ager, but a year or three in the cellar should make this soft, gentle wine more beautiful.——S.H.(4/1/2008)—— 90

If you thought Cab Franc was the soft, early-drinking Cab, reconsider. This is a tough wine, dry and so tannic that it numbs down the palate. But it’s huge in sappy red and black cherry fruit, with a chocolate fudge finish, and should develop well. Try holding for three or four years. ——S.H.(4/1/2007)—— 90