Winemaker Notes
The color is deepest red/black, with hints of purple. The Prior displays a vibrant nose that is highly complex, deep and sensual, with notes of red cherry and black cassis, spiced jam, pink peppercorn, Nicoise olive, and toasted oak. The palate has a classic feel, but on a large frame, allowing the flavors of black fruits and spice to resonate through the young, structured finish. The tannins are copious but fine, lending focus to the long, intense finish.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Franc, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 76% Cabernet Franc and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Franc The Prior comes from the Frediani Vineyard, which is near Eisele Vineyard off Pickett Road in Calistoga. It's incredibly complex and nuanced, with terrific notes of black raspberries, black cherries, potpourri, spring flowers, and dried earth. As with all these wines, it's seamless, silky, and pure, with beautiful intensity yet no sensation of weight or heaviness.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 76% Cabernet Franc and 24% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 months in 80% new French oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Cabernet Franc The Prior has fragrant red and black currant notes with lovely black cherries, black tea, pencil shavings and damp soil with a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of chewy tannins and just enough freshness supporting the intense red and black fruits, it finishes with an earthy lift. 245 cases produced.
Rating: 94(+)
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.