2018 Vinoce Vineyards Mt Veeder Cabernet Franc – Sweeping Awards from National Cabernet Franc Competition
Vinoce Vineyards located in Napa, California participated in the December 2nd, 2020 National Cabernet Franc Wine Competition. The Competition was hosted by California Wines and Wineries at The Golf Club at Copper Valley in Copperopolis, California. This was a blind competition with two sets of judges (Professional and People’s Choice) in different areas of the facility. Vinoce Vineyards 2018 won a Gold Medal and Best of Class from the Professional Judges. And from the People’s Choice Judges, they won Double Gold Medals, Best of Show and Best of Class. An extremely impressive showing!! Wines were submitted from 14 states and numerous AVA’s from around the United States. For more on the wine competition sponsored by California Wines and Wineries see:
The Winery
Brian and Lori Nuss are the founders of Vinoce. The meaning of Vinoce (vin-o-chay) is a play on his name and German-Italian background. In German “nuss” translates as “nut”. In Italian “noce” means nut and thus Vinoce means “wine nut”. But there is nothing nutty about this wine, specifically the 2016 Vinoce Cabernet Franc from Mt Veeder! Today they produce Sauvignon Blanc (2), Cabernet Sauvignon (3) besides their Cabernet Franc.
The Wine
Their Cabernet Franc from Mt Veeder is exceptional, partly due to the geology of this designated sub-AVA of Napa Valley. The area is about 25 square miles with approximately 1,000 acres planted. The area is known for its thin volcanic soil and steep mountain face, some as much as 30 degrees. The steepness of the vineyards provide more sunlight and better drainage. Berries are generally smaller than the valley floor as they have to work harder in the volcanic soil with less water. Wines from this region possess strong structure, briarwood flavors and are typically bold. No exception for this Vinoce Cabernet Franc. Mt Veeder accounts for only a little over 1% of total Napa Valley production
First on the eyes, a dark ruby red with a slight purple hue. On the nose, aromas of dark cherry, blackberry and cocoa. On the palate, floral notes, cedar, briarwood, blackberries, cherry, blueberries, along with black pepper/peppercorns engulf ones mouth with a robust explosion. The finish is long with soft leather, a hint of sweet vanilla pipe tobacco, dried herbs and earthiness from Mt Veeder. The tannins were present but not obtrusive. 60% new French oak barrels were used and 40% neutral. This was an extremely enjoyable wine today and will continue to age gracefully. This is a great example of one of the premier Cabernet Franc’s coming out of Napa Valley. This is a must have to keep in your cellar. Current list price is $85 at the winery and only 56 cases were produced.
The Food and Wine Pairing
Last evening, BBQ’ed beef Filet Mignons and covered with a Point Reyes Blue cheese and chive butter glaze! Sautéed baby asparagus with garlic and seasoning completed the meal. The Cabernet Franc wine engulf the seared filets and made an exquisite meal.
Sláinte
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 