Vineyard: The Truchard Estate Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. It is 420 acres of hills and valleys, which contain a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, limestone, volcanic ash and rock. The combination of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures, provides ideal conditions for wine-growing. Cabernet Franc is planted in several different sites - on steep southwest-facing hillsides. The vines range from 21 to 35 years old, and produce wines that are deep in color, dominated by lush flavors of plum, berry, and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon which grows on adjacent blocks is blended in to provide firmness, complexity, and added age ability.
Harvest: Oct. 1 – 4 • 24.7 ºBrix • 3.49 pH • 6.6 g/L TA
Winemaking: All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed, then inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Each fermentation was pumped-over twice daily, with the temperature peaking at 88º F. The lots were pressed after 14 days of maceration. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (40% new). Rackings occurred every 4 months until bottling in August of 2022. The final blend is 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is drinkable upon release, but will gracefully age for the next 12 – 15 years.
Wine Analysis: 14.2% alcohol • 3.56 pH • 6.1 g/l TA
Tasting Notes: A floral nose of plum, boysenberry, and cassis with hints of cedar, tobacco, and sweet vanilla. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of red currants, berry jam, and cherry. Round tannins fill the palate and provide a pleasant finish of dried red fruit and spice.
