Tasting Notes
Our Reserve wines are crafted strictly from the finest vintages, and the 2003 vintage is only our second bottling of Cabernet Franc Reserve since 1997. This wine hails from Adam and Kate Firestone's Rock Hollow Vineyard in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley. Rock Hollow's excellent natural drainage, rolling topography and blended soil are ideal for growing complex, intensely flavored wines. The 2003 Cabernet Franc Reserve offers vivid aromas of black currant and mocha with accents of eucalyptus and white pepper. Round, supple flavors of cassis and black cherry unfold along a broad texture. Firm tannins on the finish will reward careful cellaring as they soften up over the next few years.
Kevin Willenborg, Winemaker
Varietal Composition
Cabernet Franc 98%
Cabernet Sauvignon 1%
Merlot 1%
Winemaking
The 2003 growing season was blessed with warm, steady temperatures throughout the summer and harvest seasons, ensuring balanced maturation of flavors and tannins. The Cabernet Franc grapes were hand harvested on October 16, then destemmed, lightly crushed and inoculated with slow-fermenting yeast for balanced extraction. Extended maceration was employed for a total of 28 days of skin contact to refine the tannin profile. The wine was aged for 21 months in French oak barrels. The final blend included small contributions of estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for enhanced aromatic and textural complexity.
Final Analysis
Alcohol: 13.5%
TA: .68
pH: 3.47
Cases Produced
615 |
