Winemaker Notes
Dark fruit aromas of black raspberry, plum, and tangy blackberry set the stage for the bold, yet refined 2022 Signature Cabernet Franc. As the wine unfolds, delicate floral notes of violet and sage intermingle with savory spices, adding complexity and intrigue to the palate. Further notes of cured meats lend a smoky, umami quality that balances the deep fruit and spice. This is an incredibly structured wine with great texture and finesse that will reward with further bottle age.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Spiced and cedary on the nose, with ripe blackberries, plums, ground spices, mocha and charred rosemary. Full-bodied with a firm yet creamy texture and nicely filled with luscious fruit, finishing long and even. Compact and tight. Try from 2028.
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.