$85/bottle under the original label
Coolest Cabernet Franc ever!
Given that Pinot Noir grows so well in the Willamette Valley, it should come as no surprise that Loire Valley varietals perform here as well. Especially when they come from a single-clone derived from a single-block in a phenomenal vineyard farmed for ultra-premium production in the Eola-Amity Hills.
Stylistically, the falls somewhere in between the Loire and Bordeaux. Its richer on entry than a Loire Valley Cab Franc but with a prettier, red fruit-driven palate than your typical Bordeaux Cab Franc.
The wine was fermented by a California rockstar winemaker (and friend) with a multiple 100-point score pedigree. This person was very forthcoming with all the details on the wine and was particularly excited to tell me it was fermented in a small, concrete egg with a native yeast fermentation that didn't complete malo until late April! The extended fermentation gave the wine a fantastic yet elegant extraction and it has a uncommonly low total sulfur. It was then aged in 75% new French oak (Taransaud and Francois Freres) for another year. The producer, a Napa Valley winery, was aiming at the $85/bottle price point but decided to stay focused on their core varietal set. Accordingly, we were able to acquire this beauty.
It is one of the best Cabernet Francs I have ever sourced. However, please note this is not your typical Napa Valley Cabernet Franc; instead, at 13.8% alc., its a perfectly-extracted yet elegant take on the varietal probably more appealing to Burgundy fans that those of you looking for a big, rich Napa experience. But read below, you never know...
Inky, deep garnet in the glass. Redolent with spicy black cherry, rose petal, anise, leather, seasoned oak and loamy iron notes. Robust yet supple on entry with an array of red and black fruits, the wine quickly pivots on the palate and becomes decidedly more lifted and elegant with brighter red fruits riding mineral-laced tannins in along, elegant, sustained finish. Absolutely fabulous.
100% Cabernet Franc, 100% Eola Amity Hills, 100% Single Clone/Single Block in a Single Vineyard
75% new French oak, Taransaud and Francois Freres
13.8% alc.
Bottled June 24th, 2021
