1997 Merryvale Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, 3L

Winemaking

The fruit for our Cabernet Franc was handpicked in the early morning hours to preserve freshness and skin integrity. The grapes went through our multiple sorting process at our historic winery in St. Helena before being gravity fed into small fermenters. Extended skin contact, both pre- and post-fermentation maximizes extraction of flavor, color, and aromas. The wine was aged for 23 months in 75% new French oak and minimally racked before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

Ripe red berry notes of cranberry and raspberry, black olive, tobacco, espresso, smoked meat, vanilla, toast and graphite. The wine is medium to heavy on the palate with big, yet resolved tannins and good length. This wine will age for a decade and beyond. Decant in its youth.