As prices for vineyard land in Napa Valley starting reaching ridiculous heights, vintners naturally turned to other, nearby growing areas to see if they could replicate Napa’s success at a more reasonable cost. One of the main areas they turned to is Lake County, just north of Napa over Mt. St. Helena, and east of Mendocino. The region does get quite hot in the summer, but it is cooler in the spring and fall, which has meant that it hasn’t been quite as hospitable for making big full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. However, as tastes shift toward more elegant, balanced wines, expect to see Lake County grow in renown. In fact, it is already home to some great planting of other varieties, including Cabernet Franc.
The 2012 Starry Night Cabernet Franc is sourced from a single vineyard in Lake County, La Sierra. As one parent of Cabernet Sauvignon (the other being, obviously perhaps, Sauvignon Blanc), Cab Franc shares much in common with its more famous offspring. However, it does better in cooler climates, and can make a wider range of wine styles. The 2012 Starry Night is medium to pale ruby in color, with a nose of black cherry, sage, and earth. The palate shows red and black cherry and berry flavors, with dried herb adding depth. Nice weight with a clean, bright finish, this lovely red is perfect for lighter meat dishes, and shows stunning complexity for a wine under $30.
Composition: 100% Cabernet Franc
Cooperage: Combination of American and French oak barrels
Harvest Date: October 20th, 2012
Average Sugar at Harvest: 26.7º brix
pH: 3.83
TA: .513 g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.8%
Production: 220 cases
You may also like:
Gold Medal
Generously packed with exotic cassis, black cherry, cola and plum flavors knitted together in a creamy, velvety texture with nice layering, finishing with delightful notes of spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
94 Points
Rich and full-bodied and graced with elegant structure. Nuanced flavors of blackberries and ripe cherries that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving. A subtle waft of roasted coffee beans and lightly toasted almonds entwine with raspberry in a luxurious finish.
90 Points
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
94 Points
Aromas of cocoa mingle with notes of cassis, black cherry, blackberry coulis, graphite, toasted vanilla, and a hint of cedar. The palate is harmonious as the richness of barrel spice melds seamlessly with juicy plum, blackberry and licorice flavors. An incredibly polished texture, even at a young age. Long and expressive with loads of flavor.
Rich & Luxurious!
Beautiful ruby color and opens with aromas of bright red plum and raspberry, cassis, and a touch of mint. The tannins are soft yet structured, and complemented by vibrant acidity, with hints of clove and baking spice from the oak aging. The wine ends with a long, smooth finish and lingering intensity encouraging you to enjoy another juicy sip.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
91 Points
Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, followed by elements of chocolate, toffee, vanilla, black pepper, and coffee. Exceptionally smooth and velvety with good balance and silky tannins. Bright black cherry, blackberry and pomegranate with a lush texture filled with fruit, cocoa powder, clove, and a spicy finish. It's got it all with a velvety mouthfeel and long satisfying finish.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
91 Points
This is primo fruit from high elevation vineyards in his Moon Mountain vineyard. Inky-black in the heart and purple blazing to the rim, offering up a nose of ripe cherry and violet, dried plums, figs, dates, and some black cherry. The first sip offers a lush mouth feel with layers of blackberry, currant, and a touch of chocolate with plenty of oomph. The palate builds as black and red berries mix with herb, exotic spices, and supple tannins to create a long, silky smooth finish.
Chewy & Ripe!
Dark purplish-black with aromas of ripe black plums, bacon, blackberry jam, and black tea. Dense, chewy and ripe across the palate with a nice mid-palate texture and weight. Rich, structured, and complex, with a long evolving finish.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers top pick.
94 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color and strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe blackberry, and warm cassis with hints of cherry, black olive, currant and a touch of black pepper.
Gold Medal
Aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. Though packed with fruit, this Rosé finishes dry, with a nice balanced finish.
94 Points
Blueberry, currant and sweet spice on the nose, with satiny layers of marionberry, and fresh macerated blackberries, surrounding a core of leather, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and tobacco. Medium to full bodied, it's polished and creamy with nice weight on the mid palate.
New Release
A ferociously fun Napa Valley blend with depth, balance and big flavor. Aromas of red currant, fresh strawberries, black plum, vanilla, and notes of cocoa on the nose. The palate is bursting with fruit ranging from cherries, mixed berry compote, toasted hazelnut and more. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
93 Points
Aromas of fresh peach, Asian pear, citrus, and honeycomb delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of Madagascar vanilla followed by fresh lemon, green apple, wildflower honey, stone fruit, and a touch of lavender. Its rich, dense texture is balanced by its juicy acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish.
92 Points
Rich, bold & spicy. Deep garnet colored in the glass. The nose gives loads of blackberry, plum, fresh raspberry and peppery aromas, while the palate delivers juicy berry compote, cassis, caramel and black pepper flavors before a rich, tannic finish. Four to five years in the cellar will round this out nicely.
