We produce one of the few 100% Cabernet Francs in the region. Some may think this a wine geek’s wine, but anytime we open a bottle and pour a glass we get a new fan. Our first vintage was in 1996, since then it is always one of our most anticipated releases.
2021 was almost a perfect growing season, though it began with a cold start, and lack of rain. The weather warmed up, but the drought continued. This was followed by weeks of steady daytime heat and cool evenings. The berries ripened evenly, however yields were a bit lighter than in prior vintages due to the lack of rainfall.
After harvest the grapes were fermented in our smaller tanks resulting in good extraction and concentrated flavors with pump-overs occurring twice daily for two weeks. Winemaker Kevin Hall complemented the big, bold flavors of this vintage with a selection of 30% new French oak barrels - 50% Medium Toast, 50% Medium Toast+. The 16 months barrel aging enhanced the complexity, structure and flavors of the wine while adding mouthfeel and nuances of barrels spice.
The 2021 Cabernet Franc is a dark purple, ruby colored wine with dark fruit aromas of black cherry, cola, plum, blueberry, vanilla and a hint of black olive. There are textured flavors of cassis, plum, black cherry, vanilla and blueberry. This is a chewy wine with balanced acidity along with long structured finish.
