Nose
Aromas of plum and ripe cherry anticipate notes of rose petal, dried herb and sandalwood.
Palate
The mouthfeel is plush and seamless,
delivering generous layers of blueberry and blackberry with hints of cedar, sage, vanilla, cola and roast coffee. Fresh acidity and velvety tannins converge on a soft, expansive finish.
Growing Conditions
The 2022 growing season was slightly warmer than average. Mild conditions prevailed through spring and early summer, followed by a heat wave and extended warm temperatures in September that accelerated fruit ripening. On average, the grapes were picked a week a week earlier than typical.
Harvest
We source our Cabernet Franc from a small vineyard in the Creston District, one of the best areas in Paso Robles for growing this classic Bordeaux variety. This district’s high river plain soils are gravelly by nature and riddled with
water-worn seabed deposits. This unique soil profile helps foster vine balance while delivering intense varietal flavors.
Winemaking
After harvest, the Cabernet Franc lots were fermented in stainless steel tanks. Extended macerations and carefully managed pumpovers enhanced the extraction of color and tannin. The lots were barrel aged separately for six months in
70 percent twice-used French oak as well as 30 percent neutral French and American oak. After final blending, the wine was racked to 30 percent new French oak barrels for an additional three months of maturation and integration before
bottling.
Aging
9 Months in French & American Oak
