The 2020 Villa Vallecito Vineyards Cabernet Franc
The Winery
(Photo Villa Vallecito Vineyards)
Villa Vallecito started their winery adventure in 2001, purchasing land in Vallecito. After years of selling the grapes, they decided to make their own wine! They have award winning winemaker Nathan Vader making their wines from Vina Moda Winery. The balance of the entire operation is essentially family chasing the energetic and engaging Ghee Hagedorn about the winery and tasting room. Her husband Alan, described as Co-CEO and Quality Control Manager is continually tasting the wines. Their son Gil Munoz, Wine Club Manager and Photographer with his striking pictures adorning the tasting room, round out this small management team producing some of the best wines in Calaveras County.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Their 2019 won Best of Show at the 3rd Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition in 2022.
Today they offer the following wines: Sagrantino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera (and a spectacular Reserve), Grenache, El Rey (Cabernet Franc/Syrah blend), Syrah and Payaso (Syrah/Grenache blend).
The Wine – 2020 Villa Vallecito Vineyards Cabernet Franc
The 2020 Villa Vallecito Cabernet Franc is an exquisite wine. Here a beautiful purplish hue surround the glass, with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose soft new leather, pepper and raspberry wafted into the senses. Secondary flavors of dried fruit and bramble, coupled with an “earthiness” (rich soil & gravel) highlighted the taste and the soft finish. The tannins were present, but rounded and velvety. Approximately 100 cases of the wine were produced. Between club members and the general public, it will go quickly. At $45/bottle this is a phenomenal “deal”.
The Food and Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Paired last evening with a marinated tri-tip steak for 24 hours in a Chaka sauce. Seared and BBQ’ed and served medium rare. Accompanied with roasted carrots, and sweet potatoes and sautéed asparagus. The wine hard plenty of structure and sufficient tannins to handle the tri-tip steak.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
A fresh salad with Romaine lettuce, Roma tomatoes, garbanzo beans, bacon, avocado and feta cheese with a light Champagne dressing.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Dessert was simple and delicious with fresh blackberries, blueberries and slices of peaches with a dollop of Cool Whip. A lovely food and wine pairing for the evening.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 