2015 Selene ‘Chesler’ Cabernet Franc

Mixed berry pie, complete with crisp, buttery crust, dark chocolate dipped fresh strawberry, and light caramel in the aromatics. The aromas come through with impact and intensity in the mouth, especially the fresh strawberry. The tannins are just a half step in the foreground of the other flavors, showing a bit of chewiness, acting as the mortar cementing the parts into the whole. 85% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. Both the Cabernet Franc and Merlot come from the Frediani Family Vineyard in Calistoga. 230 cases produced.
The 2015 growing season started early with a warm end to winter and the same in the beginning of spring. Later in May the temperatures shifted lower impacting bloom and yields. The resulting harvest was as a result small and early. We did get very good maturity and ripeness in both the Cab Franc and Merlot allowing for their co-fermentation. The wine aged for 16 months in 50% new French oak.