St Francis is a small producer in NZ (who will be changing his name for export to the US next year.). His wines are consistantly well made and although not WOW!! wines are certainly worthy of note. Simon Lampen produces the wines in Warkworth but sources the fruit from across the country. They sit from about $18-$25 NZD (so halve that for the US dollar value.)

This cabernet is made form fruit in Hawkes Bay. Retails for around the $25 NZD mark.

Colour: Garnet red
Nose: Spiced aniseed, hints of blackberry, blueberry's, mint and a mix of chocolate and tobacco.
Palate: Solid tannins bring out the front palate, but by the mid palate this has subdued bringing the fruit to the fore. The palate lingers for quite some time slowly melding into the warmth of the alcohol, the palate isn't heavy.
Overall: A nice easy drinking wine for everyday consumption. I enjoyed it as flavours kept popping back into my mouth. The fruit is ripe and of good strenght and complexity. A 84 on the Jeremy Scale..