Winemaker Notes
Perfumed with lavender, violets and hints of tobacco leaf, our 2009 Franc possesses all the beautiful finesse and intensityassociated with this intriguing varietal. A round opulent palate unfolds to reveal red currants, juicy plums and cherry withundertones of black pepper and roasted coffee beans. Aromatics and flavors meld together seamlessly to sculpt a richlingering finish. Approachable now, this wine will age gracefully over the next 10 years.
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.