California Wines & Wineries

Trespass Vineyard – An Excellent Example of Cabernet Franc

Posted on October 27, 2022

Photo ©Michael Kelly

Pulled this 2012 Trespass Vineyard 100% Cabernet Franc wine from the cellar the other night. They are in the top twenty-five wineries making Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley (IMHO). It possesses the typical aromas of raspberry, bramble and bell pepper (pyrazines). The bell pepper can range from sharp and almost obtrusive to a sweeter roasted pepper or a spiced chocolate. A dark deep red/purple on the eyes with a medium body. On the nose, aromas of cherry, wood and black pepper are prevalent. On the palate, the fruit is strong with black cherry and an earthiness. The tannins are kept in check with a soft vanilla finish. The wine is bottled unfiltered and un-fined. Kirk Venge, along with Don & Dana Gallagher, collaborate in the winemaking process. An excellent example of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc.  150 cases of the 2012 were produced. The current vintage is 2019 which 125 cases were produced and sells for $110/bottle.

As an aside to the wine itself, two items have always caught my attention. First it is the label which is a beautiful water color of the vineyard at the base of Spring Mountain in Saint Helena. The second item is the statement on the back of the bottle which reads “Now and again one comes across a place so extraordinary it captures the imagination, yet you are not allowed to enter. We invite you to TRESPASS”.  A very nice play on the wording with the picture on the front of the bottle.

Now if we could only get Donny to enter the Cabernet Franc Celebration!!

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://trespassvineyard.com