2008 Cabernet Franc, Sierra Foothills

Winemaker's Notes:

Cabernet Franc, a genetic parent of Cabernet Sauvignon along with Sauvignon Blanc, is one of the major red grape varieties in the world which is normally used as a blending wine. In Bordeaux it is used extensively as a minor component along with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec and blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, the major player of that region. St. Emilion in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, where this grape variety is known as Breton, have the most plantings of Cabernet Franc in the world.

Cabernet Franc is more versatile to growing conditions than its off spring Cabernet Sauvignon and thrives in the warmer climate and sandy soils of our region. Contrary to the Cabernet Franc that grows in the cooler climates of Bordeaux and the Loire, our Cabernet Franc has a deep red color and is abundant in refined tannins making this wine full bodied.

We blended this Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot for complexity and structure and aged it in French oak barrels for 15 months. The sweet aromas dominated by plum and violets, carry to the palate revealing more exotic flavors reminiscent of black currant and cassis accented with cedar and cocoa. The sustained finish adds hints of mocha and tobacco. This is a well structured full body wine with a perfect balance. While the wine is enjoyable right now it can be stacked away for a generation.

Varietal Content:
80% Cabernet Franc
10% Cabernet Sauvignon
10% Petit Verdot
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
pH: 3.55
Residual sugar: Less than 0.1%
Cases Produced: 480
Bottling Date: 3/4/2010