Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Cabernet Franc 2015, Caballos Block – Calistoga Road, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Note: A full-throttle, warm-weather cabernet franc that is ripe and full-bodied.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of red plum, red cherry, raspberry puree, bramble and violet petal with hints of cedar.

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

The wine has a slightly creamy texture with midpalate complexity ultimately completing with a long finish that gives way to faint notes of vanilla baking spice.

Tasty!

Bottle Note: Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County-specializing in small artisan lots of varietal designated varietal wine and classic blends. Gently shaded by a large, century-old oak, this serene vineyard on Calistoga Road provides us with the last grape to ripen – and so worth the wait. One of the classic 5 Bordeaux varietals, this 100% cabernet franc is a great representative. Simmering blackberry compote with a touch of cassis, bay leaf and violets permeate the senses. On the palate, the wine is rich with concentrated black fruit, minerally earth notes and roasted expresso. While this franc is the perfect complement to richly sauced lamb, rabbit, duck and venison, it’s also just as friendly with chicken piccata, stuffed salmon or vegetarian moussaka. Only 9 barrels made. – Frane Franicevic, Winemaker.