92 Points - Daniel Rogov
Platinum Medal - Critics Challenge
Gold Medal - New World International Wine Competition
Cabernet Franc comes from two distinctly different areas of France: The Loire Valley, where it tends to make a fairly light, rustic yet elegant wine, and Bordeaux, where it is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and occasionally given the starring role in certain Right-Bank wines such as the famous Cheval Blanc. In Bordeaux Cab Franc tends to be bigger, fuller, and more similar to Cabernet Sauvignon. Today’s offering, from the relatively cool East side of Napa Valley, offers a nice balance between these two styles; it is low in alcohol, yet still possesses good body and richness.
Hagafen is a small, family-owned winery that has quietly been making lovely wines in the Southeast corner of Napa for 30 years. After taking a break for several years from Cabernet Franc, it is back in 2007, and, if this vintage is any indication, it was a great decision to bring it back. The 2007 Cabernet Franc is deep garnet in color, with a beautiful nose of black cherry, potpourri, black currant, mocha, slate and rose petal. This nose wonderfully expresses Cabernet Franc’s herbal notes. The palate is rich, yet without being full bodied, and shows loads of black cherry, with a hint of pepper and a lovely floral, spicy note. Firm tannin and plenty of acidity result in a finish that lingers wonderfully in the mouth.
Hagafen has done a wonderful job of balancing its rustic side with plenty of fruit, resulting in a wine more complex and interesting than many Napa wines at twice the price. At just 13.5% alcohol, with great acidity, this wine offers a huge range of potential food pairings, and won’t overpower delicately flavored dishes. This is the perfect wine to have on hand when you are in the mood for something a little different that will accompany any meal gracefully.
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: 96% Cab Franc, 4% Merlot
Appellation: Napa Valley
Sugar: 22.8 Brix at harvest
Acid: 5.7 g/L
PH: 3.71
Alcohol: 13.5%
Estate Bottled
95 Points
Aromas of wild berries, black fig and ripe dark fruits are intertwined with hints of fresh mountain herbs, mineral, leather, savory spices, and cigar box. On the palate, the rich fruit flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, red currants and cassis are layered with notes of wild sage, dark chocolate truffle, cinnamon, clove, and a kiss of oak.
94 Points
Opens up with an aromatic burst of black cherry jam, wild huckleberry, and a hint of crushed espresso bean. On the palate, the fruit is lush and primary, but it's the secondary notes—toasted nutmeg, dark chocolate truffle, and the signature 'Dry Creek Dust'—that provide a long, savory finish.
