2018 The Lost Chapters, Cabernet Franc
The Winery
This winery is a joint effort of John McClelland, Paul Scott and Mitch Cosentino. It was launched on the 10th anniversary of the friendship. One of their taglines sums it up appropriately “blending five generations of winemaking with six decades of experience and three individual brands”. All three have a history of winning prestigious awards for their wines. Those three brands are J. McClelland, 50 Harvests and The Lost Chapters. The goal is that all fruit would be sourced from hand selected sites in the Napa Valley. Paul Scotto, the winery director is key in determining which sites are chosen. All three contribute to the making of the wine and “with a conscientious effort to separating winemaking influences” and letting the vineyard being the ultimate contributor to the wine’s quality.
Today under the J. McClelland label the following wines are produced: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Under the 50 Harvests label, they make both red and white Meritage wines. The Lost Chapters include white & red Meritage wines, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
One other tagline resonated on target stating “Yesterday’s Tradition, Today’s Innovation, Tomorrow’s Vision”. What a great way to put experience, current technology and innovations and having a game plan for the future all together in one organization.
The Wine – 2018 The Lost Chapters, Cabernet Franc
Not usually being intrigued or swayed by a “wine label”, I was attracted to this ornate and decorative label. On opening the wine, it was a deep red with a “dirty red hue”. On the nose, the aromas of spice and minerality rose to greet you. On the palate, black cherry and clove were dominate. It provide a strong sense of restrained “Christmas spices”, yet truly an authentic Cabernet Franc. No typical pyrazine characteristics but a mid-long lasting finish with fruit and very well balanced. Their website shows it selling for $45/bottle, definitely a very reasonable price
I’m looking forward to trying some of their other wines soon.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 