Winemaker Notes
A.V.A. stands for American Viticulture Area and for Crocker & Starr it represents the culmination of sustainable viticulture, the resurrection of their 1870's winery, and classic winemaking. Inspired by the great wines of the right bank of Bordeaux, this St. Helena blend of Cabernet Franc serves as the perfect red introduction to the Crocker & Starr portfolio.
Blend: 63% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Cabernet Franc A.V.A. Red Blend from Napa Valley checks in as 63% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Malbec. Readers looking for an outstanding red in the vintage that won't break the bank will love this. It has both red and black raspberry fruits, some graphite and leafy herb notes, medium to full body, and a balanced, elegant, seamless profile on the palate.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
St. Helena is in the heart of the Napa Valley, nestled between Calistoga to the north and Rutherford on its southern border. On its western side, the Mayacamas Mountains guard it from the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean; to its east stand the Vaca Mountains. In conjunction, these mountain ranges serve to lock in summer daytime heat. But in the evening, cool air from the San Pablo Bay funnels up through the valley, creating very chilly nights. It isn’t uncommon for temperatures to drop 50 degrees, a shift that promotes a balance of sugar ripeness and acidity in wine grapes.
St. Helena contains a plethora of different soil types in a small area, which have been enhanced over centuries by rain runoff from both mountain ranges. Its vineyards cover a variety of terrain, spreading across the bucolic valley floor and its benchlands.
These ideal topographic and climatic growing conditions easily caught the attention of early winemaking pioneers. In fact, St. Helena is the birthplace of Napa Valley’s commercial wine industry. Dr. Crane founded his cellar in 1859, David Fulton in 1860 and Charles Krug in 1861.
Today there are no less than 400 separate vineyards planted within the 12,000 acres that make up the St. Helena appellation.
Revered most for its red wines based on Bordeaux varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, the St. Helena appellation is also a source of superior Syrah, Zinfandel and Sauvignon blanc.