Beaucanon Estate, Cuvee Louis Cabernet Franc 2008, Napa Valley, California

Tasting Note: A comforting, yet elegant, fruit-inclined, Napa Valley cabernet franc that shows restraint and presents a vision of the grape that reflects warm-climate subtlety in winemaking.

Deep purple-to-ruby in color this aromatic cab franc has a nose of red currant, stewed plum, and overripe raspberry with a slice of blackberry pie thrown in for good measure.

There are also warm baking spice aromas of vanilla and clove.

On the palate the medium-plus bodied wine is soft and gentle in texture like cuddling with a fleece comforter.

On the attack you get mild undertones of tartness followed by red cherry fruit and medium, understated acidity that flows through to the finish.

Well-integrated, medium-plus tannin gives the cabernet franc body without being overbearing.

This wine balances the reality of its ripe fruit character with winemaking that lets the grape reveal itself so that no one component of the wine’s character outshines another.

Bottle Note: Cabernet Franc is usually overlooked as a blending grape but our Estate Vineyards produce a wine that can shine on its own! A seductive nose of black cherry and raspberry fruit is touched with Franc’s signature aromas of rose petals and black tea. The palate has medium chewy tannins and rich blueberry, plum and cocoa flavors complimented by a delicate hint of spice and cedar from the American oak barrels. Beautifully balanced by a European-style touch of acidity, our cabernet franc pairs well with rich meats like pork or duck breast and cheesy Italian dishes. 100% Napa Valley grown.