2010 Cabernet Franc Alegría Vineyards

95 points & Platinum Medal - 2014 Critics' Challenge Wine Competition
90 points - Purely Domestic Wine Report

Tasting Notes

Rich aromatics of inviting berry and sweet cedar mingle with hints of mocha and vanillin oak. The complex palate of flavors offers ripe cassis and spicy mixed berries layered with subtle forest floor, chocolate notes, and a touch of orange essence in the finish. Well integrated with a solid structure, this wine showcases the elegant side of Cabernet Franc.

Winemaker's Notes

This delicious wine—a field blend of Cabernet Franc with Petit Verdot and Merlot—comes from vines we planted at Alegría Vineyards in 1991. In our very cool microclimate, the fog rolls up the Russian River Valley from the Pacific and lingers until late morning. The vines often see only half a day of sunshine.

With the very long growing season, the grapes developed elegant aromas and flavors, concentrated by the low yield of only 2.3 tons per acre. Extensive hand-sorting in the vineyard as we picked, and again at the winery before crushing, assured that we fermented only the highest quality grapes.

To bring out fruitiness, we co-fermented the three varieties using native and Brunello yeast. After pressing, the wine was moved to a combination of oak barrels carefully selected by Bill to enhance the varietal aromas and flavors. Two years of bottle aging before release has further integrated and softened the wine.

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