Michael David Winery, Inkblot Cabernet Franc 2016, Lodi, California

Tasting Note: A rich and opulent, warm-weather cabernet franc that shows you how versatile the grape is in its expressions across climate zones.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus intensity nose of black plum, young cedar, kirsch, black cherry, dried violet leaf and pencil shavings with hints of clove and vanilla baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied cabernet franc delivers medium-plus-intensity flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin.

The wine had midpalate complexity and is balanced.

If you’ve tried Michael David’s Freakshow you’ll notice some familiar cedar elements but with a cabernet franc flavor profile.

Another successful vintage of this wine. Read 2013 and 2014 vintage reviews.

Bottle Note: Despite being one of the most planted grape varietals in the world, cabernet franc is far less known than its more famous offspring cabernet sauvignon. Grapes come from a 9-acre vineyard on the west side of Lodi, within close range of the winery. Showing complex aromas of freshly crushed blackberry, plum, pepper and tobacco. It offers black cherry on the mid-palate and a touch of graphite on the finish. Velvet smooth tannins, dense and rich this wine fills every corner of the mouth with its decadence. Lodi Rules Certified Green Sustainable Winemaking.

This wine was submitted for review.