Winemaker Notes
A new vineyard for Harrington! Cedar Crest Vineyard is located high up (3000 ft) on Lassen Peak in Tehama County. Lassen Peak is California's only active volcano so you can expect this Cab Franc, coming from high-altitude volcanic soils, to have a very unique flavor profile. High-toned even for a Cab Franc, the wine is loaded with pure fruit expression
Aromatically robust with violets, graphite, and tobacco. Blue fruit flavors dominate with blueberry, plum, and coffee grounds all contributing to this new expression of American Cabernet Franc. Even better on the second day after opening. So pure!
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: Over the past decade, my interest in New World Cabernet Francs has grown. Okay, part of the reason is it is hard to find unblended Cabernet Francs or even wines labeled with this grape variety. Nevertheless, the New World has become a leading force. The 2017 Harrington Cedar Crest Vineyard Cabernet Franc is well-built and clearly varietal. TASTING NOTES: This wine shows classic flavors and style. Its aromas and flavors of black fruits, graphite, and earth should pair supremely with grilled mint-accented lamb chops. (Tasted: September 25, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!