Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2002, Nickerson Vineyard, North Coast, California

Tasting Note: Don’t think premium cabernet franc from California can age? Try this!

Deep-intensity ruby with garnet around the edges, this wine has a nose of black plum compote, strawberry, raspberry puree with hints of blackberry and clove baking spice.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied cabernet franc has concentrated black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, medium-plus tannin.

The wine is smooth in texture with midpalate complexity and loads of varietal typicity in an aged ripe-fruit style that is reserved but still vibrant.

The integration of fruit and tannin is impressive.

Bottle Note: The image on the front is taken from a family photograph painted in oil by Kika Godinovic, a local artist from winemaker Frane Franicevic’s birthplace Sucuraji on the island of Hvar. The dramatic scene tells of Frane’s great-grandfather, a cooper and winemaker, carrying barrels of wine from Hvar to the Croation mainland for sale in the marketplace circa 1920s; a centuries old family tradition. An expressive cabernet franc with distinct floral aromatics softened with toasty vanilla, sweet dark wild berry and spicy black pepper. This single vineyard wine showcases the supple yet structured qualities found in the North Coast wines. Only 4 barrels made.