2005 Estate Cabernet Franc

 
   
                          
    2005   ESTATE  CABERNET  FRANC

Vineyard:        1/2-acre cab franc, west facing, 1/2 steep and 1/2 gentle slopes
                    21 years average vine age

Farming:        Unirrigated vines
            100% sustainable agricultural practices; all inputs within OMRI  Guidelines

Harvest Dates:      October 13 through October 14, 2005

Fermentation:    Small open fermenters, punch down 3 per day
            Yeast: Hansen/Noble.ferm (for Bordeaux style reds)
            30-day average fermentation, press off to barrel,
            Inoculate for malo-lactic fermentation (viniflora oenos/ Hansen)

Barrels:        1+yr. in new Bordeaux Traditional Chateau Barrels, 2nd yr. in older  French oak barrels

Barrel Time:        28  Months

Blend:              16 %      Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate
                        84 %     Cabernet Franc, Estate

Alcohol:        14.6% by Vol.

Production:        24 cases

Tasting Notes:    This is an extremely intense wine... beginning with flavors of very dark cherries, brambly berries and mulberry with notes of licorice, cloves and spice  supported by firm, ripe, structured tannins. With barely 8 months in the bottle, this youngster  will be fun to follow!