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La Mesa Cabernet Franc 2023 Reserve
La Mesa Cabernet Franc 2023 Reserve
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Cabernet Franc Reserve 2023

Our very first release of Cabernet Franc. When we set out to make a "mountain" Cabernet Sauvignon to rival those in Napa, we anticipated that the recipe would require some Cab Franc as a spicy addition. We managed to find these beautiful grapes up in El Dorado County where the American River tumbles through canyons into Folsom Lake, a high-elevation vineyard that is off most radars. Harvested late in October, the grapes were hanging for longer than normal, yet achieved perfect ripeness, intense flavors and bright, balanced acidity. Most was blended into our Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest found here in its pure expression. This bold red should pair extremely well with hearty dinners and has excellent aging potential.  13.3% alcohol. 159 cases produced. 

Sale price $45.00

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Details

Appellation:

El Dorado County

Winemaker Notes:

Harvested October 30 with grapes hanging for longer than normal, fortunately rains set in later that year and cool fall weather, intensifying flavors and balancing acidity. After gently crushing and destemming the grapes, we hand-removed remaining stems to reduce tannins and herbal flavors, fermented and punched-down the wine manually over two weeks, and then gently bladder-pressed it. Secondary malolactic fermentation took place over the next few weeks and the wine was aged in ~30% new French oak.

Vineyard Notes:

We managed to source these beautiful grapes up in El Dorado County where the American River tumbles through canyons into Folsom Lake, a little-known growing area at high elevation.