2022 Cabernet Franc

Doug Hill enjoys producing Cabernet Franc, so he replanted a few rows in the Beau Terroir Vineyard a few years ago. Cabernet Franc is a difficult grape to grow well and exhibits virus and site considerations more than other grape varieties. Veraison was fairly late on August 12, but there were 2 major hot spells, and with Cabernet Franc being a delicate variety, Doug took extra care to save this vineyard. Fortunately, the weather moderated a bit and the grapes came in on September 28 at 24.8 Brix. After a few days of cold soak, it developed nice color with a chocolatey aroma. We fermented it with VQ51 yeast at 85 degrees and pressed it at dryness after 2 weeks, then put it to barrels. After a year, we blended in a small amount of Malbec, then put it back to barrel for a total of 20 months. The 2022 Cabernet Franc is dignified with aromas of mulberry and cool climate graphite. The wine is medium in body and has a soft balanced entry that expands out to a lively mid-palate filled with pomegranate, new saddle leather, ripe fruit and a smooth finish.