2020 Mitchell Katz at Shadow Hills Winery Cabernet Franc
Photo from Mitchell Katz website
Background
Mitchell Katz Winery is an innovative Livermore Valley winery dedicated exclusively to producing single-vineyard wines that capture the essence of each vineyard. My only exposure has been their first time entry into the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition in March of 2025. For their first time entering they walked away with Best of Category for California Cab Franc and Double Gold Medal from the Professional Judge’s and a Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges. An extremely remarkable showing for their wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This was the first time I tasted this exquisite Cabernet Franc wine from Mitchell Katz Winery. The grapes came from the well-known Casa de Vinas vineyards and produced unfined and unfiltered. It comes in at 13.9% alcohol and tasted much bigger! Only 200 cases were produced and listed at $52/bottle.
On the eyes a dark ravenous deep color with a heavy viscosity. On the nose dark inviting fruits of blackberries and blue berries awaken the senses. Once on the mouth, a big bold and dry Cabernet Franc presents itself with esteemed credentials. The tannins are brazened in the mouth and yet going into the palate silky smooth. An easy wine going in and explosive jagged tannins at the finish. A very balanced and caressing wine. Additionally, a very oaky finish that was enjoyable. It may have been from 50% new American oak and medium plus toasting and in the barrels for 18 months.
This wine hit the bullseye for my tasted buds. I fully understand the awards it was given after tasting the wine. It just made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025! This is reserved for only 3-5% of the 1600 to 1800 tasted during the year.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was selected to go with a seasoned and seared BBQ’ed filet mignon this week. Seared at 1500 degrees to a beautiful medium rare finish. Accompanied by roasted Brussel sprouts with cooked bacon slices that were delicious. Also served with a Yukon Gold potato and a southwestern salad with roasted corn, roasted chicken and four cheeses of Monterey Jack, Queso Quesadilla, Asadero and Cheddar and topped with tortilla strips and a southwestern dressing.
The hearty Cabernet Franc was a perfect match with the meat and Brussel sprouts with bacon cutting the rich meat and fatty bacon.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The winery was started by Mitchell Katz and was from the beginning a family affair. It started in 1998 in memory of Mitchell’s grandfather and even today two blends are named after his son’s Jackson and Wesley. The winery uses only estate and hand selected vineyards from Livermore Valley.
The Mitchel Katz Winery is located at 2915 Vasco Road in Livermore’s east valley. Today they offer white wines of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. They also have a Rose and two sparkling wines. Their red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon (2), Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Zinfandel and a couple of Red Blends.
I have not tried their other wines and will be planning a visit soon to taste their other gems!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly