Have you noticed everybody is talking about Cabernet Franc
lately? It’s no surprise—Cabernet Franc has medium body and moderate tannin
and acidity with great texture that makes it a worthy addition to the dinner
table. Cabernet Franc offers up the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon, to which
it is the parent grape.
Here are some capsule reviews of Cabernet Franc you may find
along the Wine Road.
Alexander ValleyVineyards 2020 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley
This Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Franc grown in
Alexander Valley is 100% Cab Franc with a deep purple color. On the nose a
distinct mocha note, reminiscent of Aztec Hot Chocolate that combines cocoa
powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and chili powders. It’s like s’mores in glass! On
the palate, tart and juicy with flavors of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cassis
and touch of black pepper along with a persistent cocoa note. Plush mouth feel
with and taut fine tannins. Pair with lamb kebabs.
ABV 14.0%
$34
Cast Cabernet Franc 2019 Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
From Oak Knoll district in Napa, the Cast 2019 Cabernet
Franc is full of energy. Notes of mint, plum and strawberry on the nose. The
palate is full of texture, with juicy plush mouthfeel and taut fine tannins. Flavors
of mulberry, tart cherry a touch of thyme with a savory note of nutmeg. Still
young, this wine will only get better with age, but it’s delightful now. Pair
with a classic French Onion soup and crusty bread.
ABV 11.4%
$ Sold Out
Colagrossi 2018 Cease
& Desist, Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley
The Colagrossi 2018 Cease & Desist Cabernet Franc from
Alexander Valley will grab your attention from the first whiff with a beguiling
aroma consisting of strawberry, sweet tobacco with a trace of bell pepper. On
the palate, notes of gravel, boysenberry and raspberry. Great texture with fine
tannins and a bright note of spice and brambles. It’s like sunlight breaking
through the fog—soft, yet warm and rich. Pair with Chicken Enchiladas.
ABV 14.6%
$45
The Meeker Vineyard
2018 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley
Warm and welcoming, like pulling on your favorite sweater,
the Meeker Vineyard 2018 Cabernet Franc from Dry Creek Valley is a spicy sipper
for winter nights. On the nose you’ll find juniper, pink peppercorn, lanolin
and a faint note of cherry blossom. On the palate an array of flavors with bell
pepper, jalapeño, and clay pot. The fine tannins and long bright finish carry
through with notes of red currant and tart cherry. Supple and alive now, but
will age beautifully over the long term. Try pairing with mushroom and sausage
lasagna.
ABV 14.9%
$50
Mounts 2018 CabernetFranc Dry Creek Valley
The Mounts 2018 Cabernet Franc from Dry Creek Valley bursts
from the glass with earthy scents of dried strawberry, raspberry, cayenne, crushed
gravel, sweet briar, and saddle leather. It giddy-yaps across the palate with
grace. Plump mouthfeel with great texture and tannin structure featuring
balanced flavors of sugarplum, chili pepper, boysenberry, licorice, and tart
cherry. The long finish is deep and rich with notes of bright cranberry at the
end. Pair with pork tenderloin.
ABV 15.8%
$50
Peterson 2014
Cabernet Franc Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
The Peterson 2014 Cabernet Franc from Bradford Mountain
Estate in Dry Creek Valley is comprised of 80% Cab Franc 15% Merlot 5% Petit
Verdot. It’s a magical confluence of fruit and tannin with aromas of cherry,
dried strawberry, vanilla, chaparral (sage and cedar) and mocha. Soft and
lovely on the palate it has both lift and depth with rich flavors of sweet
tobacco, Aztec Chocolate, red plum, strawberry and a whiff of petrichor. Pair
with maple cherry glazed Duck Confit.
ABV 14.4%
$45
Ramazzotti 2018Cabernet Franc, Pigoni Ranch, Alexander Valley
The Ramazzotti 2018 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley, from
the famed Pigoni Ranch vineyard is a gorgeous deep garnet in the glass. On the
nose it’s bright and aromatic with scents of raspberry, strawberry, sweet
briar, coffee bean, cola and a faint note of fennel. On the palate, it opens
with juicy raspberry, followed by paprika, thyme, tart cherry and a heavenly
note of mochaccino on the long finish. Soft tannins make this an easy sipper
that will pair great with dishes as varied as Chile Rellenos to Moroccan Beef
stew.
ABV 14.5%
$55
Robert Young 2019Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley
The Robert Young 2019 Cabernet Franc from Alexander Valley
has an awesome cherry cola scent that reminds me of Mr. PiBB!—a spicy, cherry
pepper mix that’s simply fabulous along with soft notes of caramel and sweet
bell pepper. On the palate, it’s soft and plush with warm notes of dried
tobacco, sage, black cherry and bright cranberry on the long finish. Still
quite young, this wine will benefit from a few more years of age. Hold on to it
if you can—this wine is going places and you will want to be there when it
arrives! Only 16 barrels produced. Pair with a majestic crown roast of pork;
its inherent drama will be equal to the wine.
ABV 14.4%
$68