Winemaker Notes
The 2017 Cabernet Franc is full of balsam aromas of clove, cedar and dusty cocoa on top of a lavender and cherry base. As 2017 was a bit of a riper warm vintage, the Cabernet franc is filled with sap and texture while finishing with lots of drive and energy.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2017 Ryme Cabernet Franc represents this grape variety well. TASTING NOTES: This wine is true-to-type and nicely textured. Pair its riveting aromas and flavors of black fruit and earth with barbecued lamb kebabs. (Tasted: September 26, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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.
A standout region for its decidedly Californian take on Burgundian varieties, the Russian River Valley is named for the eponymous river that flows through it. While there are warm pockets of the AVA, it is mostly a cool-climate growing region thanks to breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme in Russian River, with the best examples demonstrating a unique combination of richness and restraint. The cool weather makes Russian River an ideal AVA for sparkling wine production, utilizing the aforementioned varieties. Zinfandel also performs exceptionally well here. Within the Russian River Valley lie the smaller appellations of Chalk Hill and Green Valley. The former, farther from the ocean, is relatively warm, with a focus on red and white Bordeaux varieties. The latter is the coolest, foggiest parcel of the Russian River Valley and is responsible for outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.