Vineyard 29
The Essentials 29 Estate Cabernet Franc
St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA
Smooth as silk, give it some air for the nose to open up
Winery notes, Our small cabernet franc vineyard is the most easily viewed block from the terrace of the winery, on a northwest-facing slope along the southern edge of the 29 North Estate. We planted our cabernet franc vines in 2000 and have enjoyed watching and tasting their amazing development year over year.
The nearly textbook conditions of 2012 presented very few challenges starting this almost ideal growing season with a mild spring, healthy bud break, steady flowering and even fruit set. Summer ushered in warm days and cool, frequently foggy, nights; fall had beautiful warm temperatures, with very few heat spikes. The bountiful fruit enjoyed long, slow ripening resulting in highly developed and expressive flavors. Light rainfall arrived after we had harvested optimally ripe fruit. The 2012 vintage is marked by wines of exceptional balance, captivating aromatics and are succulent on the palate. Immensely enjoyable in their youth, these wines are cellar-worthy and will gratify for the long term.
Our 2012 Cabernet Franc is loaded with rich and seductive aromas of cedar, clove, allspice and ripe blackberries. On the palate, creamy vanilla and seductive hints of oak are supported by velvety tannins and a pleasing lift of bright acidity. The balanced, welcoming structure of this wine allows it to be paired with even the most delicate dishes. We love roasted sea scallops or duck with dried cherries. Our Franc is beautifully expressive and approachable with a long and balanced finish to be enjoyed now and for the next 6 to 8 years.
Cases Produced: 296 Retail Price: $140 ~ 750ml
Smooth as silk, give it some air for the nose to open up
Winery notes, Our small cabernet franc vineyard is the most easily viewed block from the terrace of the winery, on a northwest-facing slope along the southern edge of the 29 North Estate. We planted our cabernet franc vines in 2000 and have enjoyed watching and tasting their amazing development year over year.
The nearly textbook conditions of 2012 presented very few challenges starting this almost ideal growing season with a mild spring, healthy bud break, steady flowering and even fruit set. Summer ushered in warm days and cool, frequently foggy, nights; fall had beautiful warm temperatures, with very few heat spikes. The bountiful fruit enjoyed long, slow ripening resulting in highly developed and expressive flavors. Light rainfall arrived after we had harvested optimally ripe fruit. The 2012 vintage is marked by wines of exceptional balance, captivating aromatics and are succulent on the palate. Immensely enjoyable in their youth, these wines are cellar-worthy and will gratify for the long term.
Our 2012 Cabernet Franc is loaded with rich and seductive aromas of cedar, clove, allspice and ripe blackberries. On the palate, creamy vanilla and seductive hints of oak are supported by velvety tannins and a pleasing lift of bright acidity. The balanced, welcoming structure of this wine allows it to be paired with even the most delicate dishes. We love roasted sea scallops or duck with dried cherries. Our Franc is beautifully expressive and approachable with a long and balanced finish to be enjoyed now and for the next 6 to 8 years.
Cases Produced: 296 Retail Price: $140 ~ 750ml
A steal at $70.00. Has another 10 years left
A steal at $70.00. Has another 10 years left
Jan 1st, 2020Give it a few more years & it will be a 98-100
05 still the top CF I’ve had,
Parker 91 is ridiculous
Give it a few more years & it will be a 98-100
05 still the top CF I’ve had,
Parker 91 is ridiculous
Notes haven't changed, but I've come to realize I would've bought more. Saving the last couple bottles because this is starting to really sing.
Notes haven't changed, but I've come to realize I would've bought more. Saving the last couple bottles because this is starting to really sing.
May 20th, 2017This wine is outstanding. Blue and black fruit go on forever after sipping. Notes of stone and fresh brush/flowers are all apparent. Slight acidity keeps it fresh. Can still use some time or a decent decant to loosen up.
This wine is outstanding. Blue and black fruit go on forever after sipping. Notes of stone and fresh brush/flowers are all apparent. Slight acidity keeps it fresh. Can still use some time or a decent decant to loosen up.
Feb 10th, 2017
What can I say. Probably one of my favorite cab francs produced. Absolutely delicious. Paired with a foie gras mousse. Heaven
What can I say. Probably one of my favorite cab francs produced. Absolutely delicious. Paired with a foie gras mousse. Heaven
Oct 30th, 2016
Wow, this wine is rocking. Beautiful dark fruit with a balance of just the right amount of French oak. Bravo
Wow, this wine is rocking. Beautiful dark fruit with a balance of just the right amount of French oak. Bravo
Jan 24th, 2016
Dark rich fruit with layers and layers of texture. Silky tannins and balanced with that mouth watering acidity. The reason I came to Vineyard 29 the first time. Brilliant CF.
Dark rich fruit with layers and layers of texture. Silky tannins and balanced with that mouth watering acidity. The reason I came to Vineyard 29 the first time. Brilliant CF.
Nov 21st, 2015This is young but so damn good. Aggressive tannins, but complexity revealed over course of meal as wine evolved. Can't turn down a bottle when offered.
This is young but so damn good. Aggressive tannins, but complexity revealed over course of meal as wine evolved. Can't turn down a bottle when offered.
May 24th, 2015