2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

WA97 Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Franc is a little closed to begin, slowly revealing redcurrant jelly, blackberry pie, boysenberries and mulberries with nuances of Ceylon tea, raspberry leaves, tilled soil, pencil shavings and underbrush. The palate is wonderfully elegant with a medium to full body and very fine-grained tannins supporting perfumed cherries and black berries layers, finishing long and energetic.
JD97 Previously released under the Cardinale label, the 2017 Cabernet Franc is a Cabernet Franc-driven release inspired by Cheval Blanc in Bordeaux. Coming all from mountain vineyards (Mt. Brave on Mt. Veeder, Yverdon on Spring Mountain, and W.S. Keyes on Howell Mountain) and 77% Cabernet Franc and 23% Merlot, raised in 72% new French oak, it’s an incredible achievement in 2017 and offers a huge perfume of red currants and black raspberries interwoven with notes of dried flowers, chocolate, and forest floor. Complex and nuanced aromatically, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, incredibly elegant texture, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. Hats off to winemaker Chris Carpenter for this awesome 2017. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years or more.
Estate Notes: The 2017 growing season began with a much-welcomed wet spring followed by a temperate summer. A mid-September heatwave was succeeded by a cooling period which lengthened hang-times leading to optimal fruit ripeness. The second week of October experienced strong winds which, combined with high temperatures and dry conditions, brought disaster in the form of wildfires. With great fortune, the entirety of the fruit for this wine was harvested before this devastating event. 
64% Spring Mountain District – Yverdon Vineyard 9% Howell Mountain – W.S. Keyes Vineyard 27% Mount Veeder – Mt. Brave Vineyard. 77% Cabernet Franc 23% Merlot. 20 months in French oak, 71% new. 639 cases produced.