2022 E11EVEN CABERNET FRANC

Cabernet Franc is the ultimate Bordeaux variety because it breathes life into Bordeaux blends with juicy acidity and cool menthol and tobacco leaf notes. And, from our Estate, it truly shines all on its own. We are proud to grow amazing Cabernet Franc grapes on our very own Estate Vineyard, on an uplifted bench with sandy and gravelly soils, just above the winery in Los Olivos. 2022 provided a nearly picture-perfect vintage for our vineyard with a long growing season that allowed for even ripening and amazing flavor development. In addition, cold, crisp evenings allowed for grapes to hang on the vine well into November (which is very normal here). The 2022 vintage expresses rich flavors of fresh summer plum, blackberries, crushed gravel, and lilac with a cooling herbaceous undernotes of menthol, tobacco leaf and sage. The indulgent use of new French oak promotes some beautiful aromas of graphite, pencil shavings, vanilla and baking spices. We balance the tannin structure of this wine by fermenting in tank and pumping over twice a day. This promotes a softer, more gentle extraction. We complement this by aging for 20+ months in 30% New French oak to really allow this wine enough time for the tannins to soften before bottling. The rich, decadent and voluptuous mouthfeel is balanced by youthful tannins. Though drinkable now (especially after decanting for 1-3 hours), this wine will continue to evolve and improve over the next decade.