In 2023 we had the opportunity to purchase some great Cabernet Franc from the Barsotti Vineyard located at 3,000 feet near Camino, California and farmed by Chuck Mansfield at Goldbud Farms. We also receive Cabernet Franc fruit from the Monarch Mine Vineyard at 2,400 feet in South Placer County. In 2023 the grapes ripened late and we harvested at a lower brix on November 8. We fermented the grapes 50% whole-cluster for one month prior to pressing the vat out and into neutral French-coopered barrels. We started making Cabernet Franc in a Loire-style starting in 2009. The wine stayed on primary lees until it was racked for bottling on May 20th, 2024. It immediately has a complex floral aromatics, a lovely mouth-feel and texture, and is way to easy to drink. I think this is a serious Cabernet Franc that should improve for several years in the bottle. Good Cabernet Franc should have a hint of that cooler climate Cabernet Franc pyrazine. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.