Cabernet Franc

Wild Oak Vineyard

Sonoma Valley

Tasting Notes

This robust yet approachable Bourdeaux-inspired wine expresses aromas of stewed fruit, lilac, and fresh peppercorn. The first sips introduce notes of citrus-chocolate and pomegranate teased by subtle hints of roasted espresso. The satin-like tannins maintain a complex structure, yet leave the wine with a delicate finish.

Vintage Notes

Harvest in 2016 started in the middle of August during a pattern of warm sunny days cooled by foggy mornings and breezy afternoons for most of the area. The early months of the year were very mild with little rain allowing the vines to progress steadily and uneventfully. Yields throughout the region were slightly below average but moderate weather starting in early summer gave the fruit plenty of time to develop great color and flavor, resulting in beautifully balanced wines.

Vineyard Notes

The Sonoma Valley, a historic wine-growing region, is ideally suited for growing high-quality wine grapes including Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. We source both varieties found in this vintage from our Certified Sustainable Wild Oak Estate Vineyard, located at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains in the heart of the valley. The area’s warm summer days are tempered by cool, breezy evenings allowing the grapes to develop complex flavors while retaining acidity. The vineyard property is also the site of the Winery and Tasting Room.

Winemaker Notes

The grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking to extract optimal color and aroma. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French oak barrels. Before bottling, we blend in Malbec to add depth and complexity.