2008 Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc, an essential component of the great red wine blends of France’s Bordeaux region, prospers in the ancient alluvial soils, temperate climate and long growing season of our estate vineyard.

Vintage

2008

Varietal

82% Cabernet Franc
10% Cabernet Sauvignon
8% Merlot

Appellation

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley

Estate Vineyard

91% Main Ranch
9% Hillspring

Harvest

September 11–October 28

Oak

17 months in 98% French and 2% American

Alcohol

14.1%

Bottled

April 2010

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The Vintage

The growing season in 2008 began with more spring frost events than we have experienced in decades. You could find the crew two out of every three nights during the month of April in the vineyard “frost-protecting”. Rainfall wasn’t as generous as in past years either. However the summer growing season was splendid, followed by a beautiful fall that provided the perfect finish for the vintage.

The Wine

This delightful Cabernet Franc offers a potpourri of fragrant varietal scents, including fresh cherry and raspberry, toasted herbs, tobacco and a hint of menthol. On the fresh, medium-bodied palate, the wine’s lively red fruit flavors are brightened by crisp acidity and bolstered by firm, but supple tannins, culminating in a long finish enlivened by a zesty note of cardamom.

Food Affinities

Grilled red meat, pork and seafood dishes incorporating fresh herb and stone fruit flavors are especially good at eliciting this wine’s lively fruit flavors.

Accolades

91 POINTS vintage 2008
1st Place ~ Very Highly Recommended
“Medium ruby; attractive, spicy, cedary, cherry and red berry fruit aroma with hints of vanilla and dried herbs.” California Grapevine, February 2012

DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL & BEST OF CLASS vintage 2002
San Francisco International Wine Competition

“Highly Recommended” vintage 2001
Top Ten Cabernet Francs
California Grapevine

92 POINTS vintage 2000
Wine & Spirits Magazine

Vintages 2009 2008 2007