Pedroncelli Cabernet Franc 2016, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California

Grown in the heart of the renowned Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, these grapes are farmed on the Pedroncelli estate. Situated on the bench above the valley floor, this vineyard gains its’ personality from the soil and the location’s microclimate. Cabernet Franc was planted in 1993 to compliment the Three Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit was harvested the second week of September. Crushed grapes were transferred to the fermentation tank to cold soak for 24 hours and then inoculated with selected yeast. Daily pump-overs give the wine maximum phenolic extraction. Transferred to French oak barrels for 14 months with 30% new oak. Combined with the additional time in oak the tannins are softened and complex layers are developed in the finished wine. There’s a fragrant bouquet of cherry, mint and warm spice followed by flavors of red cherry, spicy oak, nutmeg and a touch of vanilla, all coming together nicely. The lasting finish is framed by medium tannins with notes of dried herbs, toast and spice.