Mira, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Franc 2018

 How long will Cabernet Franc be the most expensive red grape in Napa Valley?  The fact that it is under-planted, in demand as a blending grape, and increasingly bottled as a stand-alone variety make it very much a grape of wide interest.  In this case, add to it that Mira has made a very traditional Bordeaux-style wine that has dried fruits (cassis and blackberries) along with old-style, delightful barrel flavors, and we have a delicious wine now and one that has the backbone for long aging. The finish is leathery with lots of lip-smacking tannins.