D= Dablon
2= 2 Lads
Maker
D: Dablon, Baroda, Michigan, USA
2 Lads: 2 Lads, Traverse City, Michigan, USA
Grape
D: Cabernet Franc (100%)
2: 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot
Place of origin (at least 85%)
D: Lake Michigan Shore AVA.
2: Old Mission Peninsula AVA.
Vintage: 2016
ABV
D: 12.7%
2: 13.5%
Purchased for
D: $23 (Holiday Market)
2: $38 (Michigan by the Bottle Tasting Room, Royal Oak)
Appearance
D: Dark ruby.
2: Very similar, maybe slightly lighter.
Nose
D: Plum, cedar, black currant
2: More subtle. French oak, cherry
Palate
D: Tart blueberry, red currant, leather.
2: More integrated. Chewy leather, unfoxy table grapes, ripe blueberry.
Finish
D: Drying with oak, a hint of ripe bell pepper.
2: Chewy. Clove, currant.
Parting words: Cabernet Franc is a “Workhorse” grape that does well in a wide variety of climates, particularly in cooler ones like Michigan. Many excellent examples of cool climate Cab Franc (like these two) are made here, in both the northwest and southwest parts of the state. That said, there are some big geological and climatic differences between the northern peninsulas and Lake Michigan Shore.
Although 2016 was a warm vintage and practically every vineyard in Michigan was able to get grapes as ripe as they wanted, I still expected Dablon’s Cab Franc to be riper and more lush, and 2 Lads’ to be more tart. I was surprised to discover that the opposite was true!
Dablon Cab Franc was quite acidic, but not unpleasantly so. 2 Lads was more elegant and subdued, perhaps helped in this regard by the addition of Merlot. The prices on these vary quite a bit, but every price I’ve seen for either has been within an acceptable range. If I had to pick a favorite between them, I’d say it was 2 Lads, but they’re both worth buying. Both go great with food too. They are both drinking well now, but probably wouldn’t come to any harm in another year or two (or more!) in the cellar. Dablon and 2 Lads 2016 Cabernet Francs are both recommended.
Sipology 