One of our winemaker's favorites: Cabernet Franc!
Vineyard Notes: Barsotti Vineyard is farmed by Ron Mansfield who oversees the vineyards of some of the best wineries in the foothills. His family has been growing grapes, peaches, plums, pears & apples in the foothills for 3 generations. Planted in the late 1990s, the vineyard is on a hillside northeast of Apple Hill, across the valley from the Barsotti Juice bottling plant (hence the name). It is on iron-rich volcanic soils & is mostly dry-farmed.
Cellar Notes: We received 2.7 tons of fruit, hand-harvested, which we destemmed to 2 macrobins for fermentation. The must began fermentation on 10/27 & fermentation completed on 11/6, with twice-daily punchdowns during that time. It was then pressed & racked to neutral oak. One racking in April 2020 then rested until a second racking in March 2021, to prepare for bottling. Approximately 15% Cabernet Sauvignon was blended into the wine at that time. It was bottled unfiltered on 3/25/21.
Tasting Notes: A bold addition to our lineup, the 2019 Cabernet Franc is bursting with varietal character. The aromatics are blueberries, blackberries, ripe plum, leather, tobacco & a touch of green pepper, while the palate shows good depth, bold fruits, big tannins & a saline component.