2018 Shale Canyon Wines Cabernet Franc
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. 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 from Shale Canyon website
Previously Shale Canyon Wines won Best of Class for their 2017 from the Professional Judges at the 2023 International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition and a Gold Medal. In 2024 their 2018 Cabernet Franc received a Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges. The 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. Keith 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. 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, Shale Canyon have gone 100% solar power for their operation and today are one of two wineries working completely off the gird.
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 $40/bottle, this is a tremendous bargain for the astute Cabernet Franc buyer! They produced 89 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.
Always making my best wine tasted during a given year and again will make it for the list coming out mid-December.
Sláinte,
Michael
August 16, 2024 at 12:25 am
I really like sha