2016 Cabernet Franc Alegría Vineyards

92 points - Purely Domestic Wine Report

Tasting Notes

Intriguing aromas of cherry and red currant are rounded out by hints of forest floor, a classic note in Cabernet Franc. Rich favors of bright cherry, pomegranate, and Santa Rosa plum finish with chocolate mousse.

Winemaker's Notes

We planted the north block of Alegria Vineyards in 1991, as a field blend of Cabernet Franc with other Bordeaux varieties and a little bit of Tannat. At that time, only a dozen California wineries made a varietal Cabernet Franc. Most Cabernet Franc in California is grown in warmer appellations and ripens at a faster pace. Slower ripening in our Russian River climate produces an age worthy wine with fully developed flavors at relatively low alcohol. Plentiful rain ended a four-year drought cycle. Mild summer weather gave us optimal flavor development, but there was less fog, and we had to lay down canes to shade the fruit. The vines were hand-harvested on October 1st. A three-day cold soak allowed natural enzymes to unlock flavors and aromas from the varieties before fermentation with a combination of native and Italian yeasts. We aged the wine sur lies for 18 months, stirring the wine monthly (bâtonnage) in 35% new French oak barrels selected for their ability to enhance our Cabernet Franc’s typical cherry and currant flavors while adding structure and notes of vanilla and spice.

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