Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2022

Retail: $121.00 | Wine Club: $96.80

VINTAGE NOTES
Significant rain in December and relatively dry, mild conditions through March created an early bud break. Alternating periods of warm and cool weather after March led to steady summer conditions that prevailed until the first week of September when temperatures rose significantly. Cooler weather after the heat spell allowed many of our hillside and south valley vineyards to recover from the heat and were harvested in great condition. Overall quality is excellent with wines showing a broad spectrum of aromas and flavors.

VINEYARD SOURCES
The versatility of Cabernet Franc as a blending grape and as a single varietal wine speaks to its compelling character. We are fortunate to farm exceptional Cabernet Franc vineyards located throughout Napa Valley, this vintage is primarily composed of fruit from our vineyards in Rutherford complimented by warmer up valley grapes from St. Helena and cooler region grapes from Oak Knoll District. The combination of grapes from the heart of Napa Valley along with warmer up valley and cooler down valley vineyards creates a complex array of flavors and textures in the wine.

WINEMAKER NOTES
Our winemakers blended 98% Cabernet Franc with 1% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Malbec for added structure in this lively, nuanced wine. The wine was fermented in 75% French oak barriques of which 40% were new and 25% in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barriques of which 30% were new.

NOSE: Youthful, bright red fruit aromas of cherry pie, red currant and raspberry are accented by notes of hibiscus, cut grass and red licorice.
PALATE: Medium bodied flavors of tart raspberry and Rainier cherry combine with mint, orange zest and red pepper enhanced by moderate tannins.