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

Tasting Note: A cabernet franc with rich flavors of ripe fruit.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has a medium-plus-intensity, aromatic nose of black plum, raspberry, red cherry and bramble with hints of crushed violet petal.

On the palate the dry, medium-plus-bodied cabernet franc has medium-intensity, red-and-black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose with savory notes on the medium-plus finish.

There are moments of midpalate complexity with more concentrated notes at the end of the taste.

A good example of warm-weather cabernet franc to begin your warm-weather cab franc journey.

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.