Tasting Notes

WA95

Cabernet Franc's floral and blueberry characteristics are found in this intense, medium-bodied 2001 along with extraordinary elegance and palate presence. A hedonistic as well as intellectual turn-on, it should age nicely for 10-15 years, but who can resist it now? A blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot.

WSM93

Pride's mountaintop vineyard at the border of Napa and Sonoma counties is a great place to grow Cabernet Franc. The high builds a depth of flavor into these grapes that shows up in layers of green spice in the wine, almost a garam marsala intensity. And it shows off franc's refinement of tannin, a firmness that frames the beautiful expression of Spring Mountain's soil, well drained hilltops eroded from what were most likely once sea beds, pushed 2000 feet above the sea by the Pacific Plate. Winemaker Bob Foley believes their content, structure and exceptional drainage Account for the soft textures of his wines. This cabernet franc gains stature as it takes on air, offering tremendous complexity a day after the bottle is first opened. Delicious with braised lamb, whether a long cooked shank or in a Bolognese sauce over fresh pasta.

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