Random Ridge
2011 Mt.Veeder Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc
California: Napa Valley: Mt. Veeder
Mission Briefing
Napa Valley High
2011 was a crazy difficult year for northern California wines. Late ripening and a relatively cooler year made for wines that were sometimes rather lackluster. This is not the case with today’s Random Ridge 2011 Cabernet Franc Mt.Veeder.
Bill managed to pull a rabbit out of his wizard’s hat with this wine. While it is a little shy on opening, it springs to life after some swirling or decanting. When it does open up, it brings forth earthy goodness and dark purple fruit that is pleasing and balanced. The result is a spicy, well fruited, terroir driven Cab Franc that’s an exciting find.
If you love Franc like we do, you’ll be very pleased with today’s selection from Random Ridge.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | Dark crimson. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | One of the best California Cab Franc noses we’ve ever smelled. Blueberry, licorice, graphite, rosemary, black cherry, and a lovely floral / violet scent that complements the grape’s innately herbal aromas. |
| Taste: | More of the awesome nose on the palate with blueberry, cranberry, pomegranate, dried herbs, cardamon, dark chocolate, and bell pepper skin. Deep and powerful, but with Cab Franc’s juicier quality to it that keeps it very food friendly. |
| Finish: | With a 14.2% alc., Loire Valley Cabernet Franc it’s not. This wine is ripe, plush, and smooth stuff with a very subtle acidity that really elevates it into a delicious place - especially with food. A bit of chocolate from one of the mere three barrels used in production! |
| Pairing: | What a great Napa Valley Cab Franc for many food options. Any meat rubs / stews that involve cumin or not hot Indian or Moroccan spices are an excellent combination. The Cab Franc spicing really plays nicely with those spices - and meat! |
What the Winery Says
- Grape Varietal
- Cabernet Franc
- Appellation
- Mount Veeder District, Napa Valley
- Total Production
- 79 cases
- Winemaker
- Bill Hawley