Grands Joueurs Vignerons is a California-based label founded by John Schwartz — the same visionary behind Coup de Foudre and Amuse Bouche — dedicated to crafting wines that embody old-world elegance through new-world innovation. The Rougiste is a Cabernet Franc-dominant blend sourced from two distinct AVAs within Napa Valley: high-elevation Atlas Peak at 2,000 feet, and Calistoga. The name “Rougiste” (pronounced ‘roo-sheeste’) pays homage to the reddish volcanic soils of Atlas Peak, where the dramatic elevation allowed the Cabernet Franc to avoid heat spikes and ripen slowly and evenly in 2022.

The Cabernet Franc benefited from its 2,000-foot elevation in 2022. Avoiding quick ripening from a big heat spike, the blocks coasted gently to a balanced one. Cabernet Franc brings the copious tannic structure, with Merlot distributing it across the palate. A splash of Cabernet Sauvignon provides a burst of dark berry fruit to flesh out ripe red fruits and plum notes.