Growing Conditions
This Cabernet Franc comes from the Sugarloaf Vineyard, located at the southern end of the Napa Valley. Cooled by nighttime fog and bay breezes, the grape clusters from this vineyard ripen slowly, resulting in deep color and complex flavor profiles. With its southwestern exposure and rocky, well-drained volcanic soils, this fully mature vineyard produces remarkably complex and intense Cabernet Franc.
2014 was an excellent vintage for Napa winemaking, the third consecutive such vintage, following the stunning successes of both 2012 and 2013. Despite a regional drought, significant rains in February and March gave the vineyards a healthy soaking, and set up the vines for early budbreak. A mild spring and “perfect” summer temperatures brought grapes to optimum ripeness before an early harvest. The resulting wines show intense aromatics and complex fruit character.
Winemaking
Inky dark in color, this wine bursts with aromas of cherry pie filling, blueberry, and plum, with notes of frankincense, violets, and vanilla. Tightly grained tannins and a dense texture on the palate contrast with the brightness of fresh fruit and spice intensity, giving the wine a muscular but graceful note on its long finish.
Aging
Aged 22 months in 100% new French oak
