Field Recordings Hidden Vineyard Franc 2016

Cabernet franc is not for everyone; it can be too herby or even a bit harsh for some folks. Well, the Field Recordings Hidden Vineyard Franc 2016 ($20/liter bottle) might be for everyone. It boasts enough cab-franc bona fides for purists but also provides gorgeous blue fruit and juiciness for non-fans or neophytes. The grapes were picked at perfect ripeness, and the result is a smooth, mouthwatering, persistent delight. Thirty-something vintner Andrew Jones was a pioneer in the canned-wine world with his Fiction line, and here he shows his chops with bottled stuff. At the table, this California red is a vegetarian's delight, especially swell with winter squash. It also would sing with chicken and burgers.

Available at the Little Wine Shoppe, the Wine Shop, France 44, Kowalski's, South Lyndale, Solo Vino, Thomas and Vinifera.

Bill Ward