Winemaker Notes
The exuberant 2021 Cabernet Franc wears its heart on its sleeve with effusive varietal aromas and flavors of black plum, tangy dark raspberry and fragrant notes of thyme, sage, and sandalwood. At the core of the open-knit fruit flavors is a firm spine of polished tannins that give this generous wine a serious side. Adding to the complex and harmonious midpalate are notes of black licorice, dried fig, and hibiscus tea with fresh ginger.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
The nose is deeply concentrated with ripe aromas of blackberry compote, blackcurrants and coffee beans. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and acidity, giving robust notes of dark chocolate, poached plums and oak.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.