Lang & Reed Napa Valley

California

2004

Premier Etage Cabernet Franc

Napa Valley

$55 USD

Release Price

Drink Window

14.9%

ABV

3.85

pH

5.3

TA

RS

Nose

Aromas of black cherry, raspberry and floral perfume with the most delicate hints of dried herbs.

Palate

On the palate the wine appears svelte with the black cherry appearing again which mingles with dark Swiss chocolate notes. The wine finishes with a gentle briar, smoke and soft gentle tannins extending the fruit experience through a long satisfying finish.

Growing Conditions

The Lang & Reed 2004 Premier Etage, composed of 97% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, is the eighth vintage release and emanates from two very distinct Napa Valley vineyards. The heart of the Premier Etage comes from the Madrigal Vineyard, located near Larkmead Lane half way between St. Helena and Calistoga. The vineyard lies in the middle of the old Richie Creek gravel bed. This vineyard has been the core of Premier Etage since its inception in 1996 and brings to the blend rich, dark chocolate flavors, textural tannins with substance and length.

The other vineyard in the Premier Etage assemblage is from the Wood Ranch vineyard which lies on a gravel bed on the eastern benchland of Rutherford where over the centuries Conn Creek has coursed its way back and forth over the valley. The geology of alluvial soils provides for quick drainage and sparse nutrients, allowing the vines to work a little harder during the growing season. The cuvee from the Wood Ranch included a small amount of Petit Verdot, which was co-fermented with Cabernet Franc. Premier Etage rises to the challenges of expressing intense quality of fruit and builds complexities from the geology and climate of two vineyards.

This vintage is sold out. Call to inquire about other available vintages and 3L bottles.

Winemaking

Each of the two cuvees receives slightly different fermentation regimes best suited to the particular vineyard and the ripeness of the grapes. All the grapes are de-stemmed, but not crushed, allowing the partial, whole-berry fermentation to bring forth the seductive Cabernet Franc perfume, aromas and fruit flavors. This year’s addition of Petit Verdot broadened the palate impression and intensified the opacity of the color. Various lengths of post-fermentation maceration are employed.

Aging

The wine is racked into French oak barrels for a 25 month repose before bottling.

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