Vintage: After a string of difficult harvests, the 2022 vintage could almost be considered normal. Moderate, but still below average winter rains gave the vines some much needed drought relief. Mild spring weather allowed the vines to set a nice crop - yields were down about 15 percent. Picking started in late August, but then a record setting heat wave in mid-September kicked everything into overdrive. The wines of 2022 show finesse and balance; along with beautiful fruit flavors and aromas.
Vineyard: The Truchard Estate Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. It is 400 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 24 to 38 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 ageability.
Harvest: Sept. 26 - 28 • 24.6 ºBrix • 3.50 pH • 6.4 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 2024. The final blend is 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is drinkable upon release, but will develop more complexity over the next 15 years.
Wine Analysis: 14.2% alcohol • 3.60 pH • 6.0 g/l TA
Tasting Notes: A floral nose of wild blueberry, black cherry, and cassis; with a hint of cedar, tobacco, and sweet vanilla. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of currants, plum jam, and red berries. Ripe tannins fill the palate and provide a finish of dried red fruit and spice.
Release Date: December 1, 2024
Cases Produced: 349 cases
