2007 Milagro Cabernet Franc's earthy, rich bouquet is reminiscent of a Bordeaux Cabernet Franc, but with more fruit backing. The tannins are already integrating into the structure of the wine. Rick Hobson, the owner and winemaker generally allows a full year in bottle before release, which is part of his quality control philosophy to permit the proper aging of his wines. This requires approximately two years in good quality oak, primarily French oak, followed by a year in bottle. Bottle shock, the term used to indicate a wine that has not come together, occurs when a wine is first bottled. Disturbed from its cushy digs in a 225 liter barrel, and pumped or poured into a tiny 750 ml bottle is a very traumatic experience for a wine. It needs a long rest before it can come out to greet the world.

I won't say more about the wine now since it will no doubt evolve even more before release. I can say that when Rick does release it, I'll be at the head of the line. Early this year, another New Mexico Cabernet Franc won multiple gold awards at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, which astonished many of the wine judges. Next year, when Rick submits this one, the judges are in for another bottle shock.