Varietal of the Month – Cabernet Franc

If Missy Elliot liked Cabernet Franc, maybe the lyrics to “Get Ur Freak On!” would have been “Get Ur Franc On!” But even without a starring role in a song, Cabernet Franc is having a moment, an ongoing moment that is. And it’s no surprise. Cabernet Franc is a great food friendly wine with medium body, moderate tannins and modest acidity. With great finesse and texture, it’s the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon, to which Cab Franc is the parent grape.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Cabernet Franc you may find along the Wine Road.

Amphora Winery

2019 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

The Amphora 2019 Cabernet Franc from Dry Creek Valley is deep purple in the glass. On the nose, scents of dark plum and dried strawberry; dusty and earthy with notes of sage and black pepper. On the palate it’s juicy and smooth with flavors of mocha, raspberry and blackberry with a light minty finish. Tannins are soft and easy, like a favorite flannel shirt. Pair with a classic comfort food dish like lasagna.

AVB 14%

$58

 

The Meeker Vineyard

2020 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

The Meeker Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley is a deep, dark burgundy color in the glass. On the nose, it’s bright and showy with aromas of raspberry, dried strawberry, vanilla and plum. As it opens, lively scents of mint and sage come into play. It’s lighter in weight and mouthfeel than one might expect given the ABV, but it’s a juicy delight with sunny acidity and taut tannins that support flavors of tart cherry, chili pepper and crushed rose petals.

ABV 14.8%

$50

 

Mounts Family Winery

2021 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

The Mounts 2021 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley is full of verve and energy with aromas of cherry, dried strawberry, vanilla, chaparral (sage and cedar) and mocha. Soft and lovely on the palate, it has both lift and depth with rich flavors of sweet tobacco, Aztec Chocolate, red plum, strawberry. Wonderful structure that will develop with age, but it’s simply delightful now.

ABV 14.8%

$55

 

Pedroncelli

2021 East Side Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

The Pedroncelli 2021 Cabernet Franc is a small lot wine, hand harvested from the sustainably farmed East Side vineyard in Dry Creek Valley. On the nose, licorice dried strawberry, raspberry jam and garrigue, a Mediterranean herb blend that includes rosemary, thyme, basil, sage, fennel, and mint. On the palate it’s plump with flavors of dark plum, dried strawberry, pink and black peppercorn, and licorice. Deep and savory with a bright spicy finish. A cozy wine for a cozy fireside evening.

ABV 14.9%

$36

 

Robert Young Estate Winery

2021 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley

The Robert Young 2021 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley, is a gorgeous deep garnet color in the glass. On the nose, it’s aromatic with scents of raspberry, strawberry, sweet briar, cocoa, and a faint note of fennel. On the palate, it opens with juicy blackberry, followed by notes of paprika, thyme, vanilla and mocha on the long finish. Lovely overall structure with medium acidity and soft knitted tannins make this an excellent choice for savory meat or pasta dishes.

ABV 14.4%

$69

 

Rockpile Vineyards

2020 Feather Ridge Cabernet Franc, Rockpile

The Rockpile Vineyard 2020 Cabernet Franc, Feather Ridge in Dry Creek Valley, is supple and alive with flavor. On the nose, a beguiling scent of dried strawberry, sweet tobacco, dusty gravel and a trace of bell pepper. On the palate, strawberry, chaparral, jalapeño, and red pepper flake. The fine smooth tannins carry notes of red currant and tart cherry through to a bright finish.

ABV 14.5%

$80