VINEYARDS
Our 2016 Best Barrels Cabernet Franc
showcases the varietal beautifully at a full 95% Cabernet Franc, rounded out by
just a 3% splash of Merlot and a 2% addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, all from the
best blocks at our Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes
2016 was a stellar vintage that
treated our older Cabernet Franc vines particularly well. A pristine
medium-ruby color, the nose offers a beautiful example of Cab Franc's savory,
earthy dried herbs, roasted red pepper and graphite on top of bright red fruits.
The palate reveals a medium-full body that dances between all the spicy aromas
and fresh strawberry and red raspberry, celebrating California's famous fruit
all deftly held by lively acidity and gentle tannins. A gorgeous California
example of true Cabernet Franc not found very often!
Food Affinities
Cabernet Franc is a bit more
versatile in its food pairing than its brooding cousin Cabernet Sauvignon. The
combination of acidity and just the right amount of tannin allow a broad range
of wonderful complements such as roast chicken, duck, sausage, grilled
vegetables and even smoky barbecue or tomato-based red sauces.
Ageability
This wonderfully balanced and distinctive red should enter
its prime drinking window somewhere in late 2019, then cellar phenomenally well
for another 15 years. VINEYARDS
Our 2016 Best Barrels Cabernet Franc
showcases the varietal beautifully at a full 95% Cabernet Franc, rounded out by
just a 3% splash of Merlot and a 2% addition of Cabernet Sauvignon, all from the
best blocks at our Blue Rock Estate Vineyard in Alexander Valley.
