The grapes are hand-harvested and gently crushed to retain 60% whole berries.  Color extraction is accomplished via gentle cap irrigations. The grapes were drained and pressed at dryness. The free-run and press wines were kept separate.  Following fermentation, the wine went through malolactic fermentation in barrel.  The wine components were aged in 100% French oak barrels (50% new) for 20 months and racked twice to naturally clarify the wine and soften the tannins. With minimal filtration and no fining, the wine was laid down in bottle for a year prior to release. 

Vintage 2019 brought a very even ripening season for most of northern California. Winter shared a little more rainfall than most recent years, easing the drought temporarily. Spring was gentle and warm, with an average timing for bud-break, and a steady growth pattern of spring. June and July turned up the heat - temperatures hovered in the 90s or higher, with a few sustained heat spells, and we moved into a moderately warm August with balanced vine growth producing healthy, leafy canopies.  Fortunately, even temperatures followed the hotter pre-veraison months, allowing fruit to hang and continue ripening through September’s end and well into October. We carefully scheduled picking, often in the coolest hours approaching sunrise.

 

Our Cabernet Franc greets you with classic varietal character of bell pepper, tobacco box and red berries.  Upon tasting it, you’ll enjoy flavors of just-ripe raspberry, savory and floral nuances of sage and lavender, ending with a clean finish with hints of bay leaf.  This wine possesses a medium weight in the mouth with a beautiful creamy texture and fine tannins.  The finish is just long enough to entice you to come back for another sip.  Enjoy this wine for up to 10 years beyond release.