Winemaker Notes

Our very first release of Cabernet Franc hails from the Sleeping Lady vineyard, south of Yountville on the western side of Napa Valley. The vineyard is situated on a gentle slope at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. The soil is alluvial cobble wash and limits the vigor of the vines. Resulting wines are structural and dense in nature.

The 2017 Sleeping Lady Cabernet Franc is a master class in texture: it is both svelte and supple. The tannins in this wine build so gradually and precisely, that one does not even notice the cool litheness that becomes the crescendo. The palate is replete with red notes of currant, Chelan cherries and ylang ylang; accentuated with a most judicious note of sweet oak spice. It reminds us of the classiest of libraries: mahogany, calming, full of history.

Only two barrels of the 2017 Sleeping Lady Cab Franc were produced.

Our labels incorporate patterns and textures that occur in nature. This one is repetitive in soils and water. Artwork by Jonny Alexander.