The Ontario Wine Society Presents 2002 Ontario Cabernet Franc "An Ontario Outstanding Vintage" At the Ontario Club, Commerce Court South, 5th Floor. (South East Corner King & Bay Streets) Ontario Club dress code: Casual, but no jeans or running shoes please. Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2007; Reception 6:00pm, Tasting 6:30pm Members: $39    Non-Members: $49.

Reception Wines: Willow Springs 2003 Riesling; Grange of Prince Edward Estate Winery 2005 Pinot Gris

Cabernet Franc (CF) is the Daddy of the King (Cabernet Sauvignon which was created by crossing CF & Sauvignon Blanc). CF is often mixed with Merlot and/or Cabernet Sauvignon (Bordeaux blend, Meritage). Many of the red wines of the Loire are primarily CF but may be called something different: Bouchet, Carmenet, Grosse Vidure etc., etc. Although CF is also grown in Argentina, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa & USA, Ontario was the first country in the 1990’s to present CF as a single varietal, with others now joining the trend.

According to Konrad Ejbich, CF 2002 was a 91 (terrific: expect an exceptional experience). Realizing this, your Ontario Wine Society bought this vintage as soon as it was released. David Lawrason, Wine Access, gave Angels Gate a 90. Many experts feel that CF could be Ontario’s signature varietal.

Konrad Ejbich, ('the palate that walks') the author of "A Pocket Guide to Ontario Wines, Vineyards & Vines" will lead the tasting. Konrad has led many successful tastings for our Society (Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir). He is the resident wine expert on CBC-Radio with monthly appearances on Ontario today. He is a correspondent for the Wine Spectator and writes a column for Style at Home.

Top it all off with Henry of Pelham, 2004 Cabernet Franc Icewine. (Silver Medal - 2006 Canadian Wine Challenge (The Icewine Olympics)

Reception: Konrad Ejbich will make available signed copies of his book “A Pocket Guide to Ontario Wines, Wineries, Vineyards, & Vines”

Locale: Commerce Court is on the southeast corner of King and Bay Street. It consists of 4 buildings with a courtyard. The smallest building is the South building with the Ontario Club located on the 5th floor (top floor). It can be accessed in two ways: (1) through the underground Food Court, look for the Wellington Street exit or (2) more easily via the courtyard through the doors in the middle of the building with the Ontario Club crest (look for the elephant; the doors are behind them).

Underground parking is available at a reduced rate (presently $7.00) after 6 pm. The entrance is off Wellington St. which is south of King St. and runs one-way west off of Yonge St. Once inside the parking garage, make 3 left turns. Park and take the east elevators. For information only, call the Wine Line at (416) 921-9798. Reservations will not be taken over the phone.

Please make cheques payable to the Ontario Wine Society and send in an envelope postmarked no later than Monday, January 15, 2007. Cancellations will be accepted until January 17, 2007 by calling the Wine Line at 416-921-9798.