Keenan, Spring Mountain District (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Franc 2012

Keenan’s Cabernet Franc makes a bold statement, as most wines made by Nils Venge do. It’s something of a rarity to come across a varietal Cabernet Franc in the land of expensive Cabernet Sauvignon. This refreshing change of pace shows the classic herbal nose of Cabernet Franc, yet many of the dark-fruit characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate the wine is firmly structured, with heft and depth that isn’t typical of this grape variety, which can be thin and weedy when planted in the wrong place. The rarity factor plays into the price a bit, but for those who would dare to try something different from the Napa Valley, well worth it.