Louis M. Martini, Sonoma Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Franc 2016

 This wine is only separated from the rest of the vineyard lots in exceptional vintages, and the bottle shows the declaration to have been a wise choice.  This time around it’s a ripe expression of the variety, with bold macerated red fruit balanced by baker’s chocolate and earthy minerality that showcases the fruit.  A dash of pepper joins in the lingering finish.  I’d pair it with something on the gamey side.  An unexpected treat from a treasure of a California site.