The 2016 brings the fifth consecutive year of exceptional fruit harvested from America’s premier wine region, Napa Valley. An early bud break followed by warm weather and spring rains brought a rapid start to this year’s near perfect growing season in the valley. The fruit enjoyed beautiful weather during bud break and plenty of time to hang on the vines. Although yields were down due to drought, the berries were nice and plump, which resulted in balanced and complex flavor profiles.

Located south of Yountville in the heart of Napa Valley is the Oak Knoll District appellation. The appellation’s close proximity to San Pablo Bay results in a climate that is cooler and more moderate than any region in Napa Valley outside of Carneros. With Oak Knoll District Chardonnay’s reputation for a restrained, delicate style, it was only natural for us to look for fruit from this appellation to produce Cultivar’s delightful Cabernet Franc.

The 2016 Cultivar Cabernet Franc has been sourced from the same vineyard right in the middle of the Oak Knoll Appellation for the last 6 vintages. The Oak Knoll appellation located in South Napa is know for its cooler mornings and just the right amount of heat in late afternoon to ripen fruit slowly throughout the growing season. Our Cabernet Franc is inspired from the wines from the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. The wonderful Napa Valley warm days add a richness of fruit that marries with the old world tradition. The wine is a pretty red with hues of shades of blue. On the nose it has delicate notes of Rose, Violets, Exotic spices, dark cherry fruit with a hue of tobacco. One the palate flavors of cherry, cranberry and notes of blueberry lead the way. Exotic spices and a touch of fresh herbs lead to a pretty layered finish. The tannins are beautifully balanced with just a touch of sweet oak. Pairs wonderful with goat cheese, grilled sausages, and one of favorites pizza!