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
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered 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
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
