Nose
Classic Cabernet Franc aromas of violet, peppercorn, and black licorice burst from the glass. Supporting this spice is fresh blackberry and some underlying cinnamon aromas.
Palate
This complex wine dances between fruit forward and savory notes. On the palate, the wine has chewy tannin with layers of black fruit and spice. This wine is wonderful young or can be aged up to 8 years.
Harvest
The 2016 vintage was a textbook season for the Napa Valley. We saw a return to average winter rainfall with steady rain all winter. Bud break happened slightly earlier and fruit set was solid. As summer approached, we saw the return of Napa Valley fog that kept the nighttime temperatures cool allowing the mid-day temperatures to rise for perfect grape ripening weather.
Bottling
June 2018
Winemaking
The grapes for this wine come from only two sources, our original Estate Vineyard in Rutherford and the Frediani Vineyard in Calistoga. The Sequoia Grove Estate Vineyard Cabernet Franc vines are more than 20 years old. The Frediani vineyard grapes are nearly dry farmed by the same Italian family that has managed the land for 100 years. Grapes were picked September 30th and October 4th between 25.2 and 27.4 brix.
