Napa/Sonoma Cab Franc

WINE TALK
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How times have changed; no mention Of Pride Mountain

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Up in the Sierra foothills, C. G. DiArie makes a really nice CF

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I only had it once, but the most memorable Cab Franc I’ve had from California was Wing Canyon on Mt Veeder. It looks like they only do a very small amount of it. I’d have to go look at notes to find the vintage but it was stunning. A friend of a friend had brought it and I think they bought it on site.

In fact if any one knows more about it, I’d love to know more since I’ve only had the one.

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Second this, I’d also vote for Keenan, Pride, and Favia’s cab franc heavy wines are truly wonderful.

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No love for Ovid or Jonata? They ain’t cheap, but their CF is absolutely top, top quality in the US.

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Best I’ve had is Guilliams (Spring Mountain). Hard to find, worth the effort.
Gamble Family (St. Helena) is also excellent.

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I will 2nd Russell Bevan, the EE blend is absolutely amazing. I would think this rivals anything else out there, and Russell is great to taste with at his facility.

I will also add Aaron Pott as he makes amazing CF as well, and quite different interpretation from Bevan.

Howard

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Bump: Virage is on invino.com (invite link here if you need it). For the 2007 the price is not all that special other than it gives a way to try a bottle or two. (How they get $80 as the retail price is an utter mystery.) But the 2008 barrel select is listed at $45, a good bit less than the $70 direct through Virage.

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Tasted a 100% Cab Franc from Bailiwick Wines last week, sourced from Alegria Vineyard in Russian River Valley. Relatively cool climate vineyard, no new oak, $28 from the winery in Sonoma.

Other non-Napa/Sonoma ones I’ve tasted recently that are good include Broc Cellars and Buttonwood Farm, both from Santa Barbara County.
Disclaimer: I work part-time in the same facility as Broc Cellars, but the wine really is good [cheers.gif]

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I tried the Bailiwick CF out of barrel when it was really young and was wildly impressed. I thought it was Alexander Valley fruit, though I guess there is some overlap with the RR AVA.
I haven’t had the Broc, but I’m not surprised that it’s good. That guy has the touch, and CF seems like a variety that would be right up Chris’ alley.

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The two that have not been mentioned and jumped out at me are: 29, this is one of the best Cab Francs you can find but they are also proud of it $$$$. the other is Dare which is made by Viader. Much more reasonable price, $35-$45, and wonderfully made.

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+1 for Guilliams

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Owen Sullivan makes a new world style cab franc champoux, the last party I went to, brought an '07…everyone just sat around saying “wow”

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I need to start trying some of these - I’m a big fan of CA Cab Franc

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Does anyone have a connection to these producers who can get them to feature some Cab Franc on BerserkerDay??

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  • 1 Andrew Will
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!!!

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Terlato’s Devil’s Peak is a nice QPR CF heavy blend…although I got it for like 20 bucks and the Interwebs seem to show it at around 40…hmmmm

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I don’t, other than virage which you know.

I’d vote for the Broc Cellars CF, if someone knows him. Some nice reviews in CT and looks like a great QPR. Seems like a WB type producer.

If you’d like some help with WB day, I’ll cold call him and ask. Hell, I’m in sales.

Let me know.