Eponymous, Sonoma Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Franc 2009

 When Robert Pepi sold his winery, he sold the rights to use the name as well.  Unable to use his name when he started making wines again about a decade ago, he opted for the tongue-in-cheek, Eponymous.  Cabernet Franc, used widely in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, is prized for its alluring aromatic herbal notes.  Sadly, when not sufficiently ripe, it also conveys unpleasant vegetal nuances.  Pepi has clearly avoided the downside of Cabernet Franc with this wine, which delivers an array of attractive leafy aromas that balance the ripe bright red fruit notes.  A savory, almost bacon fat, quality adds to its overall appeal.  Polished tannins add class and an immediate accessibility.  With a modest 13.7% stated alcohol, Pepi shows that you don’t need super ripe grapes to make excellent wine.