Relic Wine Cellars The Prior Cabernet Franc 2013 Front Bottle Shot
Relic Wine Cellars The Prior Cabernet Franc 2013 Front Bottle Shot Relic Wine Cellars The Prior Cabernet Franc 2013 Front Label

Winemaker Notes

2013 was possibly the greatest Napa and Sonoma vintage of our era, and it is fascinating to taste what could be accomplished. We sometimes think of Cabernet Franc as the hipper, smarter cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon, providing just as much power and punch, but with more aromatics and complexity. In 2013, the stage was set for greatness. Aromatics of blueberry, black cherry, cassis, Venezuelan dark chocolate, black pepper, bay and hot stones beckon you to keep your nose in the glass. The palate is a powerhouse of flavor and authority with dense, rich, concentrated Napa flavors, but with the freshness and balance that only 2013 could achieve. The tannins are abundant but superfine, providing focus and clarity, promising a great future in the cellar.

Professional Ratings

  • 91
    The 100% Cabernet Franc cuvée, the 2013 The Prior, comes from multiple sources and was aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. Sweet forest floor, blueberry, black raspberry and currant notes are intermixed with some camphor and subtle background oak. The wine is dense, rich, full-bodied, and displays exuberant fruit intensity and richness. The tannins are velvety and the overall impression is one of creamy opulence and extravagance. Drink it over the next 7-10 years.
Relic Wine Cellars

Relic Wine Cellars

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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.

RLCRLL13PRI_2013 Item# 400130