This elegant and complex Cabernet Franc reflects Allegria Vineyard’s microclimate that is strongly influenced by cold fog that rolls up the Russian River Valley.  There is often a 40-degree temperature swing from the afternoon high to the nighttime low.  The fog lingers until late morning followed by warm, sunny afternoons.  2012 was an exceptional vintage (no frost, no heat spikes, and no rain during harvest), which allowed each variety in the field blend to fully develop its distinctive flavors, aromas, and textures.

Their Cabernet Franc vines ripen slowly, so we picked most of the crop at the end of October.  The Merlot ripened earlier than the other varieties, so we picked and crushed a small lot (50/50 Merlot and Cab Franc) on October 3, and blended the two lots together before barreling.

Both lots were cold-soaked to let enzymes extract color, flavor, and aroma before fermentation began.  Bill’s selected combination of barrels elevated fruitiness and added notes of cola, spice and cedar, during 16 months of barrel aging.