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2020 Cabernet Franc
Grown on the Friedman Vineyard in east Napa, this small one-third acre family plot sits on gravelly loam soil and is vertically trellised. The varietal has a long history in Bordeaux, often blended for it's finesse and peppery perfume.
$88.00
The Wine
Cabernet franc is one of the major red grapes and is principally grown for blending with Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot, but can also be vinified alone, as in the Loire's Chinon. Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, making a bright, medium red wine that contributes finesse and lends a distinct perfume to blends with more robust grapes. DNA analysis indicates that Cabernet franc is one of the two parents of Cabernet sauvignon, along with Sauvignon blanc. It is often associated with red fruit flavors and slightly vegetal aromas – attributes commonly found in underripe Cabernet sauvignon. However, when grown in the correct location, Cabernet franc can produce wines of power and intensity.
Vinification
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 malo-lactic fermentation in barrel and was then blended. The blended wine was aged in 100% French oak barrels (33% new) for 20 months and racked several times to naturally clarify the wine and soften the tannins. With no filtration or fining, the wine was laid down in bottle prior to release.
Vintage Notes
The 2020 growing season was one for the record books. A warm, dry winter, with very low rainfall led into only a brief spell of mild weather and a couple rains during March. However, consistently warm weather, frequently windy conditions and a long, hot summer led to two major fire events. The warm, early conditions were almost a blessing in disguise, as the second fire event (the Glass fire complex) had much more devastating consequences for Napa Valley proper, leading to the need to bring in any remaining fruit as quickly as possible before any additional smoke contact could do damage. We were luckier than many, having most of our remaining vineyard locations ready to be picked as soon as crews were able, and the fruit just having entered the ripened stage. Volume was down quite a bit, and some fruit remained unpicked due to smoke damage, but the overall quality of the vintage was high. All in all, exceptional fruit with great richness, intensity and flavors – just not much of it.
Tasting Notes
Our 2020 Cabernet Franc begins with notes of ripe berries and dried floral/potpourri aromatics, with a bit of earth. Savory, earthy flavors lend an old-world flair to this wine; very classic style, with medium long flavors.
