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Essere Franco 2012 'EF' Napa Valley Estate Proprietary Red

Essere Franco 2012 'EF' Napa Valley Estate Proprietary Red

90+ Points
Jeb Dunnuck
90+ Points
Jeb Dunnuck

Mission Codename Verdot dot dot

Can’t stop. WONT STOP. The kids would say this one “slaps”. For the boomers, that means “to be excellent or amazing”. Try it with your kids at dinner, they’ll think you’re the coolest.

If you had “84% off a premier Napa Proprietary Red” on your 2020 bingo board, today is your lucky day. We just hope your body is ready to receive this insane deal because honestly, it rocked us to the core and we’re still in disbelief at this eye-popping discount.

The D’Ambrosio family has a long history of entrepreneurship and grape growing in Napa. A few weeks back we offered their Sauvignon Blanc and now we’re circling back with their top tier, big ballin’, shot calling red. This is the complete package - giant heavy bottle with a wax seal and all manner of uber rich, complex, lush fruit inside. Uncork this when it lands on your doorstep and prepare for the flood of “full-bodied richness and an expressive, opulent texture” as Jeb Dunnuck so aptly pointed out the potential here. Petit Verdot, which often serves as a sidekick, plays the starring role here and proves it can dominate the stage under the direction of winemaker Tom Foster. He totally nailed this one, which is no surprise given his deep experience at Opus One, Groth & Lewis Cellars prior.

Every aspect of this wine shows off a super flashy, expressive style - starting with the insanely deep maroon and black color and the highly perfumed nose of enticing spiced plums, Turkish coffee, cardamom and charcuterie nuances. The palate jolts the senses with big, LUSH, succulent waves of blackberry and blackcurrant, bringing in amazingly youthful freshness of fruit into the mix. It all wraps up with significant yet velvety tannins extending across a filibuster finish. We’re already prepping the wagyu burgers and portobello mushrooms to grill with this one!

With this absurd discount - the largest in our 10+ years - it’s gonna MOVE. Don’t let this one slip away!

90+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck

“The flagship is the 2012 Red Blend offers a ripe, powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, melted licorice, ground herbs, dark chocolate, and baking spice… hits the palate with full-bodied richness and an expressive, opulent texture that certainly merits attention. It gains freshness and purity with time in the glass and is an interesting expression of this variety that I’d imagine would age for another 20 years or more. Drink 2020-2040.”

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What the Winery Says 2012 'EF' Napa Valley Estate Proprietary Red

Essere Franco
Essere Franco
Winemaker
Tom Foster
Varietal
90% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec
Vintage
2012
Appellation
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley
Vineyard
Oak Knoll Estate Vineyard
Clones
4, 338, 15, 191, 400
Rootstock
5C, 101-14
Alcohol
15%
Total acidity
0.56 g/L
pH
3.85
Harvest date
October 2, 10 & 12, 2012
Aging
18 months
Barrels
75% new French oak
Bottling date
August 8, 2014
Production
8 barrels

About the Winery Essere Franco

Essere Franco Winemaker Tom Foster
Essere Franco Winemaker Tom Foster
Essere Franco 2012 'EF' Napa Valley Estate Proprietary Red 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Dec 28, 2023 at 11:59 pm
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Essere Franco 2012 'EF' Napa Valley Estate Proprietary Red 750ml Wine Bottle
Offer Expired Dec 28, 2023 at 11:59 pm
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