Varietal of the Month: Cabernet Franc

 

If Missy Elliot liked Cabernet Franc, maybe the lyrics to “Get Ur Freak On!” would have been “Get Ur Franc On!” But even without a staring role in a song, Cabernet Franc is having a moment, an ongoing moment that is. And it’s no surprise. Cabernet Franc is a great food friendly wine with medium body, moderate tannin and modest acidity. With great finesse and texture, it’s the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon, to which Cab Franc is the parent grape.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Cabernet Franc you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Amphora 2019 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Amphora 2019 Cabernet Franc from Dry Creek Valley is deep purple in the glass. On the nose, scents of dark plum and dried strawberry; dusty and earthy with notes of sage and black pepper. On the palate it’s juicy and smooth with flavors of mocha, raspberry and blackberry with a light minty finish. Tannins are soft and easy, like a favorite flannel shirt. Pair with a classic comfort food dish like lasagna.

 

ABV 14.0%

$58

 

 

The Meeker Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Meeker Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley is a deep, dark burgundy color in the glass. On the nose, it’s bright and showy with aromas of raspberry, dried strawberry, vanilla and plum. As it opens, lively scents of mint and sage come into play. It’s lighter in weight and mouthfeel than one might be expect given the ABV, but it’s a juicy delight with sunny acidity and taut tannins that support flavors of tart cherry, chili pepper and crushed rose petals.

 

ABV14.8%

$50

 

Mounts 2021 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Mounts 2021 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley is full of verve and energy 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. Wonderful structure that will develop with age, but it’s simply delightful now.

 

ABV 14.8%

$55

 

Pedroncelli 2021 East Side Vineyard, Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Pedroncelli 2021 Cabernet Franc is a small lot wine, hand harvested from the sustainably farmed East Side vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. On the nose, licorice dried strawberry, raspberry jam and garrigue, a Mediterranean herb blend that includes rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, fennel, and mint. On the palate it’s plump with flavors of dark plum, dried strawberry, pink and black peppercorn, and licorice. Deep and savory with a bright spicy finish. A cozy wine for a cozy fireside evening.

 

ABV 14.9%

$36

 

 

Rockpile Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc Feather Ridge, Rockpile (DCV)

 

The Rockpile Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc, Feather Ridge in Dry Creek Valley, is supple and alive with flavor. On the nose, a beguiling scent of dried strawberry, sweet tobacco, dusty gravel and a trace of bell pepper. On the palate, strawberry, chaparral, jalapeño, and red pepper flake. The fine smooth tannins carry notes of red currant and tart cherry through to a bright finish.

 

ABV 14.5%

$80

 

Robert Young 2021 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young 2021 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley, is a gorgeous deep garnet color in the glass. On the nose, it’s aromatic with scents of raspberry, strawberry, sweet briar, cocoa, and a faint note of fennel. On the palate, it opens with juicy blackberry, followed by notes of paprika, thyme, vanilla and mocha on the long finish. Lovely overall structure with medium acidity and soft knitted tannins make this an excellent choice for savory meat or pasta dishes.

 

ABV 14.4%

$69

Varietal of the Month: Cabernet Franc

 

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