Winemaker Notes
With a deep, brooding nose of violet flowers, new leather, cocoa powder, graphite and black cherries that continues to expand with each passing moment, the 2022 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc is decidedly serious from the start. Surprisingly firm, mineral-spiked tannins spread quickly evenly across the palate, the flavors coming in building waves of kirsch cherry, bergamot tea, pomegranate and baking chocolate, even citrus marmalade and crushed rocks peek out through the finish. Focused and polished, powerful character is quieted against a supple texture that coats and persists, creating a dynamic tension, gently but assertively pulling the wine in all directions. This really is a case study in exactly what makes Cabernet Franc such a fascinating variety in the right locations.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Ehlers's 2022 Cabernet Franc is all Franc, selected from two of the winery's blocks. It retains some of the variety's characteristic tobacco-like notes but also strong aromas of black cherries balanced by savory notes reminiscent of beef drippings and black olives. It's medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, with attractive black-tea shadings on the lingering finish.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
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.