2019 Pocai Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Pocai Vineyard

The Cabernet Franc from our oldest vineyard has also become our most popular wine. This varietal has been in the shadows in Napa Valley for decades. Typically used for blending, this wine is a stand-out on its own.

This full-bodied wine displays raspberries, strawberries, and tart cherries. Very red fruit-driven, this wine has a large floral bouquet, herbaceous components, and black peppercorn and clove spices that add to the complexity of this wine. This wine is both restrained and elegant with velvety tannins, leading to a sweet lingering finish.

93 points, Wine Advocate

Wine Specs

Vintage

2019

Varietal

Cabernet Franc

Appellation

Calistoga-Napa Valley

Vineyard Designation

Pocai Vineyard

Harvest Date

Oct 1

Sugar

27.2

Acid

5.65

3.68

Aging

22 months in 50% New French oak barrels

Alcohol %

15.5

Wine Advocate

Wine Profile

Tasting Notes

The 2019 Cabernet Franc is dark, concentrated, and delicious. The nose is brimming with apple, cherry jam and roses. There are scents reminiscent of maple syrup, vanilla and cream giving the wine an intense aromatic play. The mouthfeel is both smooth and tannic, filling the mouth with a pleasing roundness. This wine has cherries and berries along with herbaceous and honey flavors. The finish mellows and the wine is smooth at the end. Flavors linger on the tongue.

Awards

Silver, American Fine Wine Competition

Vineyard Notes

These vines are planted on our rockiest vineyard location off of Maple Lane. The Pocai Vineyard is in one of the warmest locations in the Napa Valley, and it is ideal for ripening Cabernet Franc. Spring was cooler in 2019, and later bud break and good grape-growing weather producing an excellent grape crop. This Cabernet Franc shows its heritage and place with its deep color and concentrated body.

Production Notes

22 months 50% new French Oak

Winemaker Notes

Our ranch is perfectly suited to Cabernet Franc. The tannins are mature and the flavors well-developed by the time we pick. Aged in 50% new oak, the wine is given ample time for the tannins to combine and the palate to gain weight and structure. Only French Oak is used to accent the spiciness of the wine, build middle palate structure, and subtly add to the aromatics.

Other Notes

90% Cabernet Franc 7% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Petit Verdot