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cabernet franc

Renowned for its pure, profound varietal expression, our Cabernet Franc is a champion. This exciting and intriguing varietal nourishes in the rare volcanic, calcium montmorillonite, and limestone soils of our mountain vineyards.

These soils, unique in the world's vineyards, coupled with perfect micro-climates create a Cabernet Franc unparalleled in structure, balance, quality, and finesse.

The Cabernet Franc from Carmody McKnight is not only estate grown (only 3% of the wines in California are estate-grown) but is also 100% varietal -- 100% Cabernet Franc. As with all of our wines, our commitment to pure varietal has been maintained since the first bottling. This combination of estate-grown and 100% varietal is almost non-existent in California but is at the essence of our approach to artisan wine-growing and making, where the authentic, unmanipulated varietal/terroir experience is pursued as passionately as it is revered. We are also strongly committed to bio-diverse and sustainable viticulture, and our vineyards are the prime example of both.

The brilliant garnet color heralds an alluring bouquet of raspberry, wild roses, maraschino cherries and a sensuous mouth feel of spice, mocha and black fruit preserves. Mixed cherry, mocha and wood nuances apparent on the finish. Excellent aging potential.

Harvest Date: October 21, 2005
Block 3 -- 1.9 tons per acre
Oak: 80% French, 20% American, 20% New
Bottling Date: November 11, 2007
Production: 447 Cases