2017 Shale Canyon Cabernet Franc – Best of Class/Division Winner Again!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery and Background
So who are the owners/winemakers of Shale Canyon Wines? It started out as three brothers and Ken Gallegos as the winemaker. Today it is a two man show with Keith Prader and his brother Tim. The responsibilities are for Keith to handle the winemaking, software, sales and marketing. Tim handles the vineyard management, facilities manager and tasting room manager. While lines of responsibilities may be drawn, each can and do fill in any and all needs of running a small two man winery. Their tasting room is located in downtown Carmel-By-The-Sea village on Paseo San Carlos, west side of San Carlos between Ocean and Seventh.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Shale Canyon won Best of Class ($31 to $50, Category 2) from the Professional Judges at the 2023 International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition and Celebration and a Gold Medal. The Cabernet Franc that was submitted was their 2017 which comes from their Estate in Arroyo Seco in Monterey County. Their property is 375 acres with only 7 acres planted in vineyard. On the estate property they have planted besides Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. Tim mentioned to me that on the estate grapes, they drop a lot of fruit and target about 3 tons per acre. Flavor profile is key and dropping fruit allows more “flavor per grape” (FPG). They have sourced grapes for their Chardonnay, Malbec and Syrah. In 2018 they produced about 1,000 cases and in 2019 produced approximately 1700 cases. Looking out in time to 2025 they believe they will be between 2000 to 2500 cases maximum. Since starting in 2007 and having their first crush in 2008 with purchased grapes, they have been primarily producing 100% varietals. A small exception was their Consortium blend with limited supply for club members, essentially a “Bordeaux style” blend.
For those not familiar with Arroyo Seco AVA in California, here is a map first of the area in California and secondly a map of where Arroyo Seco AVA fits in:
(Map from Arroyo Seco Winegrowers)
Consisting of 18,240 acres the Arroyo Seco AVA is one of the smallest AVAs in California. While this area receives about 13 inches of rain per year, they have gone 100% solar power for their operation and today are one of two wineries working completely off the gird.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Keith Prader his wife, Kimberley were at Copper Valley Clubhouse for the Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll on their 34th wedding anniversary pouring their wines as past winners (2021). We are still trying to figure out if their smiles are for their anniversary or their award winning wine? Perhaps both!!
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is a dark violet on the eye with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, black cherries followed by floral aromas. On the palate a wondrous blend of blackberry, blueberry, plum and a slight chocolate. The finish provides just a hint of vanilla and mellow pipe tobacco. Tannins are present on the teeth and roof of the mouth, but are velvety and unobtrusive. Priced at $35/bottle, this is a tremendous bargain for the astute Cabernet Franc buyer! They produced 130 cases using 1/3 new American oak and 2/3’s neutral oak. Keith calls his Cabernet Franc “definitely our flagship wine and a fan favorite in the tasting room”. I couldn’t agree more.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photos ©Michael Kelly
Purposely chose this wine to go with seared BBQ’d Filet Mignon at 1200 degrees and served medium rare. Accompanied by roasted potatoes and a fresh garden salad. The salad consisted of cherry tomatoes, purple onions, navy beans, dried onions, black olives, lettuce and topped off with a little cheese and Champagne dressing. The wine had more than enough tannins and flavor to cut through the meat. The flavor of this delicious wine proved excellent with the steak. This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted in the year which is published mid-December.
Sláinte,
Michael