The year began with abundant rainfall, followed by a mild Spring resulting in extended flowering with little shatter. A Labor Day weekend heatwave kicked harvest into high gear, then cool weather allowed sugar levels to return to normal. By October 8 nearly 90 percent of the 2017 grape tonnage was in when warm, fierce winds fueled an unprecedented firestorm. Napa Valley's winemakers remain committed to upholding the region's reputation for making some of the world's finest wines and early articles about the 2017 vintage describe the wines with words such as "finesse," "great complexity of flavor" and "elegant."

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.

This stunning wine opens with aroma of raspberries, bing cherries, cardamom, tabacco and white pepper. There a notes of herb de provence running through the aroma as well. On the palate full fresh raspberries and currant fruit are intertwined with sweet oak, and bright spices. The palate is oppulent an jsut the right amount of tannis. A long silky finish. Weve have always found the Cabernet Franc works with a wide variety of foods from asian inspired dishes, grill salmon and one of our favorites duck. Also perfect for Thanksgiving.