Cabernet Franc Hendry Block 9D & 26

Block 26 and 9D are our only Cabernet Franc blocks. They are CTPS clone 332 and FPMS clone 4, grafted to St. George roots. Block 26 is the older of the two, planted in 1998. Block 9D was planted in 2003. In 2019, budbreak in the two blocks was April 2nd through the 4th. Bloom occurred on May 28th, veraison on August 10th, and harvest on October 4th and 16th.

The Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot blocks in our vineyard were all planted with the intention of having wines to blend with our Cabernet Sauvignon. After a few vintages, George was so please with the depth and complexity of our Block 8 Cabernet Sauvignon on its own that he began using these Bordeaux “blending” grapes to make their own unique wine, our RED blend. Occasionally, we bottle very small quantities of the individual varieties and release them on a limited basis. This wine is such a release. It was aged for 15 months in French oak barrels, approximately 40% of which are new.

Nearly opaque deep ruby color. Initial aromas of spice, oak and herbal elements, with berry fruit in the background. Mocha, cocoa, and berry flavors, softer and finer textured on the palate than the 2018. Still somewhat young and will benefit from age and/or decanting, as it continues to evolve and unfold in the glass. This would be delicious with steak au poivre, grilled lamb, filet mignon with a demi-glace or a beef and mushroom pie.