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Tasting Notes
The 2019 Reserve Cabernet Franc offers a sensory journey that begins with a rich and fruity bouquet on the nose. The inviting aromas of black cherry, chocolate, and dried black fruits immediately captivate the senses. As the wine unfolds, subtle hints of pepper and oak spice emerge, adding depth and complexity to the aromatic profile. Upon the first sip, the palate is enveloped by luscious, silky tannins that contribute to a velvety and round texture. The wine boasts a well-structured mouthfeel, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind this vintage.
Technical information
Vintage
2019
Volume
750 mL
Winemaking
Historically a Bordeaux blending varietal, Cabernet Franc has a distinct personality of its own highlighted in this reserve bottling. The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool early dawn hours and brought directly to the winery to be hand-sorted, selecting only the highest quality for fermentation in stainless vessels. After undergoing maceration for two weeks with regular pump-overs to extract deep color and rich flavors, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new) before bottling. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon was blended to build structure and enhance the flavor profile.
Vintage
After a damp late winter and spring, the 2019 California vintage started one to two weeks later than normal, followed by cool temperatures that allowed the grapes to mature gradually. Owing to the extended, cool growing season, wine grapes ripened slowly with full flavors and superb balance.
Vineyard
The Cabernet Franc fruit for Sterling Reserve Cabernet Franc was sourced primarily from the Tamagni Vineyard in Calistoga, which lies south of the Sterling winery alongside the Silverado Trail. Cabernet Franc is often used to enhance the framework of Bordeaux-style wines, but the exceptional grapes from this warm vineyard site, with its well-draining, low-vigor, rock-and-clay soils, yields a wine with all the elements to shine as the primary grape variety.
