2016 Wandering Star Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

WA94 Produced from 100% Cabernet Franc, coming from Oakville, the 2016 Cabernet Franc Wandering Star spent 30 months in French oak barrels, 80% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it gives up a pretty floral perfume of red roses and lavender over a core of raspberry pie, wild blueberries and Morello cherries with hints of pencil shavings and forest floor. The full-bodied palate delivers taut, muscular red and blue fruit preserves with a firm, grainy texture and a lively backbone, finishing long with impressive elegance and sophistication. 194 cases were made.
Estate Notes: A deep ruby color with aromas of blackberries and blueberries and hints of fresh cut summer flowers. Flavors of red currents and spice with hints of toasted oak and grilled red meat. Bright ripe blackberries, graphite and spice through the mid-pallet with a long finish of crème brulee. Very drinkable now but will age beautifully for through 2030 and beyond. Fermented in small format stainless steel tanks. Cold soaked 5 days prior to fermentation. Temperature maintained below 80 degrees with a post ferment extended maceration of an additional 5 days. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel with aging on lees for at least 1 year. Aged in 80% New French Oak, 20% Neutral French Oak Barrels for 30 months. Bottle aged 4 months prior to anticipated release in 2019. Production: 194 cases. 100% Cabernet Franc