2024 marks the 20th vintage for Spottswoode’s Lyndenhurst label. The original goal is still the same: use all five Bordeaux varietals and pull fruit from the estate as well as other exceptional Napa vineyards, all of which are organically grown. In doing so this wine allows for, “a broader expression of Napa Valley, while applying the same philosophy that shapes our Estate Cabernet,” says winemaker Aron Weinkauf.
This is Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley in France. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is nice with black cherries, green bell peppers, tobacco and earthiness. Medium to full bodied. Light tannins. Good acidity. On the palate, this has nice depth. Some complexity. Flavors of black cherries, slight bell pepper, tobacco and slight earthiness. Good finish. I don't believe this wine sees any oak which gives it a good freshness. It is nice on its own but would be better with food. It would work well with Szechuan Beef. drink over the next few years.
Chappellet has been growing Cabernet Franc for 35 years, planted at a time when Franc was merely considered a blending grape. Comprised of 78% Cabernet Franc (there are small amounts of four other grapes), Chappellet had a made bold choice to produce a stand-alone wine from this grape. Sure, Franc has been made in the U.S. as a stand-alone, and the Loire Valley is ripe with iterations of Franc - most notably in Chinon and St. Dennis. But Franc in California and Franc in France are quite different. That difference aside, Chappellet does an admirable job crafting a very enjoyable wine.
This is 100% Cabernet Franc aged for a year in Amphorae and bottled with a very non-traditional label. Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has cherries and some black cherries, with dust, tobacco, and leather. Medium to full bodied. Light to medium tannins. Good balance. On the palate, this has some depth. Flavors of black cherries, tobacco, cherries, spice and char. Good finish. This seems to be just getting to peak but should drink well for another ten years. Better with food, this went well with Vegan Sausages but real sausages would work, too.
This is Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley in France. It is from the wineries youngest vines and aged in concrete. Ruby in color with some purple and blue hues, mostly clear and bright. The nose is sweaty/dusty with cherries and strawberries and a bit of black pepper. Medium tannins. Tart acidity. On the palate, cherries with a touch of strawberries. A streak of heat on the finish. This is nice on its own but really needs some food. It would be nice with some fatty meats, say a Lamb Stew. Drink over the next five to eight years.
Jonata makes some great wines, and while they can be a bit pricey, they would likely be a lot more if they were from Napa and not Santa Barbara. This is a blend of 88% Cabernet Franc, 10% cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petite Verdot. Purple in color with some garnet hues, mostly opaque and bright. Great nose. Black cherries, tobacco, leather and slight spice. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Great balance. On the palate, this is ripe (no green bell peppers) but not overblown at all. Depth.
This is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot from Napa. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, chocolate, tobacco, spice and earth. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Great energy. On the palate, this is delicious. Flavors of black cherries, cherries, forest floor and char. Long finish. This is deep and complex. The layers unwind in the glass. Still drinking youthfully, this should drink well for another fifteen to twenty years. Great on its own, this is very food friendly. It would work very well with Beef Stroganoff.
