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Mission Codename: Greetings, Mister Brown

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Wine Spies Operatives loved Adobe Road’s exceptional 2005 Knights Valley Cabernet Franc. On the eve of the release of their 2006, return to the winery to procure an ample quantity for our eager agents

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Adobe Road Winery

Wine Subject: 2006 Cabernet Franc – Knights Valley

Winemaker: Franc Dusak

Backgrounder:

As you know, Cabernet Franc is one of Agent Red’s favorite red varietals. Perhaps this is because its flavors are often rich, layered, complex and elegant. Or, perhaps he loves Cabernet Franc so much because it pairs so exceptionally with many different foods. One of the most notable things about Cabernet Franc is the fact that finding excellent examples can be very difficult. Read Red’s tasting notes and winemaker interview below for the full intel on today’s ultra unique and very delicious wine

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Gorgeous red plum color, with concentrated color right out to the fine pinkish edges of the wine. The wine displays skinny tears that emerge slowly before the gently meander their way down the edges of the glass

Smell – BROWN! Yes, this wine delivers a unique wallop of distinctly brown aromas, leading with dried tobacco leaf, dried roast beef, dried fall leaves, brown spice and supple leather. These sit right atop smoky black plum, cranberry and subtle blackberry

Feel – Initially, very wet and light. Then, the wine is quickly drying as it introduces a brown minerality that dries the back of the mouth, then the cheeks and lips

Taste – Again, brown dominates the palate, but in a uniquely beguiling way. Dark spice and dried leaves mingle with cranberry, raspberry, smoky plum, with earth, tobacco, leather and smoky sweetwoods

Finish -Smooth and dark, with intermingling fruit and darker flavors that that linger as an all-over-mouth dryness appears

Conclusion – The theme of this unique wine is certainly brown, which is so delightfully intriguing. Make no mistake, this is a delicious wine with real fruit that shines through, but there is so much more to be experienced here. On first smell and first sips of the wine, our panel of tasting spies were all blown away by the brownness of the wine. It was a quality that was unexpected in a Cabernet Franc (or nearly any other varietal for that matter), but the effect on the senses was intriguing. The wine was, well, just plain delicious. This wine, which is drinking beautifully now, will continue to improve with a few more years in bottle. Be sure to pick up enough to enjoy some now – and later.

Mission Report:

WINEMAKER INTEL BRIEFING DOSSIER

SUBJECT: Michael Scorsone

DATE OF BIRTH: 9/77

PLACE OF BIRTH: Pennyslvania

WINE EDUCATION: Culinary Institute of America and Napa College

CALIFORNIA WINE JOB BRIEF: Adobe Road, Turley, Failla, Neyers

WINEMAKING PHILOSOPHY: Let the wines show character and personality. A strong sense of vineyard location. Show tradition…but not afraid to take chances. Don’t make the wine into something it’s not.

SIGNATURE VARIETAL: Pinot Noir

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: Having the opportunity to work with Adobe Road and also all the traveling that I’ve done in my career.

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WINEMAKER INTERVIEW

AGENT RED: Greetings, Michael. We are honored to be showing your 2006 Knights Valley Cabernet Franc today. Thanks so much for taking some time to answer questions for our Operatives today.

MICHAEL: Thanks, Red. It’s good to be showing another wine with The Wine Spies!

RED: Was there a specific experience in your life that inspired your love of wine?

MICHAEL: Growing up in an Italian family where food and wine is very important, my travels to old world wine regions and working in the fields in Italy.

RED: And where did you learn the most about winemaking?

MICHAEL: I’m always learning something new and always expanding my knowledge.

RED: What is your winemaking style or philosophy?

MICHAEL: “Hands off”, non-invasive approach and letting the wine show its personality.

RED: What wine or winemaker has most influenced your winemaking style?

MICHAEL: Ted Lemon from Littorai because he’s an excellent wine maker and farmer. He is one of the few winemakers who does it all.

RED: How long have you been making wine?

MICHAEL: Ever since I was a little boy, I helped my dad make his wine.

RED: Who do you make wine for?

MICHAEL: Myself, our customers – and the Adobe Road wine team

RED: Tell me, what makes the so special?

MICHAEL: I think it is a great region, but very underrated.

RED: What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone that is considering a career as a winemaker?

MICHAEL: It is a lifestyle… not just a job! You have to love it and be passionate about farming and winemaking. Yes.. it is romantic, but it is very hard work.

RED: What is occupying your time at the winery these days?

MICHAEL: Traveling… You have to sell the stuff too!!!!

RED: Please tell me a little bit about the wine we are featuring today

MICHAEL: Cabernet Franc is usually really vegetal and I feel this vineyard is very ripe and lush and has great texture.

RED: What is your favorite pairing with today’s wine?

MICHAEL: I recently enjoyed it with a slow roasted, dry rub pork shoulder and it was delicious!

RED: Please share one thing about yourself that few people know

MICHAEL: If I tell you… then everyone will know.

RED: What is your favorite ‘everyday’ or table wine?

MICHAEL: Burgundian Village wines or Sicilian wines.

RED: How would you recommend that people approach your wines, or wine in general?

MICHAEL: With a corkscrew, a glass, and a willing attitude!

RED: If you could choose any one wine to drink (regardless of price or availability), what would it be?

MICHAEL: Wow !!!! I could go crazy trying to narrow that down to one wine. Probably some older Domain Dujac from Burgundy

RED: What is the one question that I should have asked you, and what is your answer to that question?

MICHAEL: Shaken, not stirred and long walks on a beach

RED: Thank you so much for your time. We learned a lot about you – and about your wine. Keep up the great work, we are big fans!

MICHAEL: Thanks, very much, Agent Red! Cheers!