2023
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the five great Bordeaux varieties commonly blended into Left and Right Bank wines.
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2023
Cabernet Franc
The Cabernet Franc shows fragrant green notes accented by blueberry and strawberry rhubarb.
Hints of stem-y pea shoots give way to sweeter aromas of brown sugar. On the palate, there’s tremendous texture thanks to silty tannin and it’s all strung together by a vibrant acidity. As it exits, the wine offers a floral crescendo in the form of fresh lilac. The 2023 Cab Franc will cellar for 7-10 years and is best enjoyed alongside a hearty helping of Tuscan red bean stew.
Vintage
2023
Varietal
Cabernet Franc
Region
Napa Valley
Alcohol
15.5%
Vintage Notes
The 2023 growing season began with heavy winter rain, replenishing our reservoirs and lakes. Bud break was delayed due to a cooler than usual season, typically occurring once every 10 to 15 years. Despite this, we enjoyed a lengthy season with yields from average to 10% above average. With no disease pressure, increased soil water, and extended hang time, 2023 is destined to be legendary. Our vines thrived with healthy canopies, and the grapes ripened slowly, ensuring this “once-in-a-decade” vintage provided fruit that could perform at the apex of quality.
Winemaker’s Notes
he 2023 vintage was harvested from October 18th to November 2nd. The grapes were hand-harvested at night when temperatures often dip to50˚F to capture vibrant acidity and fruit expression in the wine.
We first cold-soaked the must (crushed grapes) for gentle extraction and then fermented in stainless steel, concrete and oak barrel fermenters at 88˚F. Rigorous pump-overs, increasing during the peak of the fermentation, developed deep color, rich varietal character and fine tannins in the wine. The wine was aged in 45% new French oak barrels to meld the bright fruit expression with oak spice nuances. After three months of aging, we blended the vineyard components allowing them to marry for a total of 20 months of barrel élevage. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered to present the attributes of the vineyard in the purest form possible, from the dirt to the glass!
