Winemaker Notes
This Cabernet Franc-dominated Proprietary Blend was added to the portfolio in 2007 after they secured the grapes that met their standards for the wine. In Napa Valley, Cabernet Franc is a bit of an oddball variety; not many producers predicate a wine on it. It seemed fitting then to name the wine Falstaff, one of literature’s most vividly drawn comedic characters, an unlikely Joker with spirit and wit. Prime vineyards in the eastern hills of Oakville and Rutherford, including Bettinelli Upper Range, Weitz and Fortuna, have been sources in recent years. Falstaff can be counted on for the spectrum of red, blue and black fruits plus an ethereal, perfumed nose of botanicals and tea, a hallmark of the Cabernet Franc varietal. While composition varies by vintage, Falstaff’s foundation is Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot playing supporting roles.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Falstaff is 50% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Merlot, with the Franc from Upper Range and the Cabernet from Houyi. Another gorgeous wine, it has a touch more flesh and opulence than the 2018, with lots of blue fruits (and some red) as well as spring flowers, spicy wood, lead pencil, and ample chalky minerality. Beautiful on the palate as well, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a round, supple texture, building yet finely polished tannins, and a great finish.
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James Suckling
Purity of fruit with blackberry, black-cherry and orange-peel character. Medium to full body with fine, polished tannins. Violets and lavender come through. 50% cabernet franc, 38% cabernet sauvignon and 12% merlot.
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.