The sight of this beautiful, richly colored Cabernet Franc sitting in the glass makes the heart beat a little faster in anticipation, and the palate is definitely not disappointed as the wine’s firm texture and dense flavors flood the taste buds with long lingering hints of berries, a touch of toasty smoke and spice. A generous finish adds to the overall pleasure. A blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon rounded out by 10% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot, this is a big wine, with 14.5% alcohol. Growing on the mountainous slopes on Prichard Hill, the grapes benefited from the rising temperatures of late August, which endowed them with perfect, succulent ripeness.
Chappellet, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Franc 2017
By Marguerite Thomas