The 2009 North Coast Cabernet Franc has a bright, clear and brilliant red color rimmed in youthful violet-blue. Sweet cherry, herb and spice aromatics push forward accented with lightly toasted top notes. The flavors call forth bright cherry fruit and a mélange of dried herbs - all with a beguiling softness that begs for another glass.

The 2009 is an assemblage of four vineyards, two located in the Napa Valley and two from the northern reaches of Lake County. Though only a small percent, the Stanton Vineyard in Oakville provides that bright crisp cherry aroma and flavor component. Sugarloaf Mountain, located in the cool southeastern reaches of Napa Valley contributes to the effusive aromas and texture. The High Chaparral Vineyard, located high up in the real red hills of Lake County just north of Kelseyville was planted back in the 70’s. It is the only Cabernet Franc vineyard we know of that is planted on its own roots - a true Franc de Pied providing deep structure and lovely fruit tannins. Also above the 2,000ft elevation in the High Valley appellation of Lake County are the Cross Spring Vineyards. The grapes from here provide us with an exciting facet in our goal to express ‘typicity’ in our North Coast bottling.