Year in year out the hallmark of the wine that the grapes from this vineyard allow us to make is the beautifully expressive aromas and elegant, balanced mouthfeel. All three varieties are exceptional but the Cabernet Franc is the best with which I have worked. It has always elevated the aromatics of my Bordeaux Blend. In 2009 I decided to make less of the Bordeaux Blend which left excess Cabernet Franc. For this reason I was able to produce this first vintage of Cabernet Franc. The complexity and intensity of the aromas are evident from the moment the cork is popped. Aromas hinting of blueberries, spice, violets, and orange blossom add to the enjoyment. This wine has a very nicely balanced mouthfeel, from entry to finish, medium body with a tannin structure that is restrained but sufficient to allow for at least 5-7 years of graceful aging.

The grapes come from a single vineyard, MacAllister Vineyard, near the ridge of the Mayacamas Range on the Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder. This is a spectacular sloping site with multiple exposures and well drained, low fertility soils.