2019 Crocker Starr AVA Cabernet Franc Red Blend St. Helena

Winemaker Notes: Deep ruby in color, this wine displays a gorgeous nose of dark ripe plum, cocoa powder, hot tamale candy, and sandalwood spice. Silky friendly tannins and medium body elegantly frame the fruit on the palate which lingers through the wine’s lengthy and seamless finish. This blend of Cabernet Franc is drinking beautifully now and will cellar well over the next ten years.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "The deep ruby/purple-hued 2019 A.V.A. Red Blend of Cabernet Franc checks in as 68% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec. It’s a ripe, medium to full-bodied, incredibly silky expression of this variety and has lots of darker, almost black fruits (currants, blackberries) as well as perfumed notes of spring flowers, tobacco, graphite, and earth. Aged 22 months in 60% new French oak, it’s balanced, has polished tannins, and a great finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15 years or more."


Wine Enthusiast - "This rich, saturated, chocolaty blend of Bordeaux grape varieties led by 68% Cabernet Franc is supersmooth in texture despite fine-grained tannins that add some structure and balance. Aromas of blueberry, dark chocolate and vanilla lead to very ripe black fruit flavors accented by coffee beans and mint."


Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - "The 2019 A.V.A. Napa Valley Blend of Cabernet Franc is composed of 68% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slips easily out of the glass with crushed redcurrants, kirsch and blackberry preserves with hints of bouquet garni and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy, it has a lively backbone and plenty of red and black fruit flavor layers, finishing with an herbal lift. Rating: 92+"