2023 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc, a Winning Wine Fit for a King

Posted on April 22, 2026 Updated on April 22, 2026

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

Background on L’Autre Côte, Steven Kent Mirassou and 7^th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

At the 7^th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition, the 2023 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc won Best of Show and Best of Category by the Professional Judges in the very competitive California Division of wines $111 and up.

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

If that was not sufficient acknowledge of this pristine wine, the Professional Judges also awarded this wine Grand Sweepstakes for the entire competition. To win this title, the winners of each of the nine divisions go head-to-head in a blind competition and the winner is crowned the Grand Sweepstakes winner! This consisted of 100 wines from 11 states and 3 countries.

It is not often that one sets out to turn the world upside down, but that is exactly what Steven Kent Mirassou is attempting with his label called L’Autre Côte meaning the “other coast”. The L’Autre Côte brand falls under The Lineage Collection. The goal is to make world acclaimed Cabernet Franc wines from two of Livermore’s well-known vineyards. He accomplished that in 2017 with his two versions of Cabernet Franc, one from Ghielmetti Vineyard and one from Sachau Vineyard. He made 50 cases. Both sold out almost immediately ( https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/09/11/2018-lautre-cote-cabernet-franc-one-of-the-best-cabernet-francs-available/ ) Steven has received 96 points for his Ghielmetti Vineyard and 94 points for his Sachau Vineyard Cabernet Franc wine. Remember this was his inaugural release. For subsequent releases he has been awarded 95 points from Wine Enthusiast. His Lineage “Bordeaux Style” wine and his Cabernet Sauvignon were both rated 100 points and the only Livermore Valley wine to be rated so highly.

The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson

The 2023 L’Autre Côte continued with using two designated vineyard Cabernet Franc wines, Ghielmetti and Zayante. 2023 consists of 85% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon in a traditional Right Bank expression and quality. In Steven’s words “the wine is truly magical because their irreducible wholeness comes about as a function of their purity of fruit, balance of acidity and overt sexiness”. The wine was aged 18 months on second use French oak puncheons and barriques. It is 14.1% alcohol with only 135 cases produced. The list price is $125/bottle.

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

On the eyes, a brilliant and dark reddish/purple coloring with medium viscosity. On the nose, aromas of fresh raspberry and blackberry fruits waft into the senses.  On the palate you are rewarded with delicious, yet reserved fruit, coupled with chocolate, jasmine tea and a slight minerality. The finish is nothing less than a caressing hug, with round rounded and velvety tannins providing a silky landing. Using one used French oak allows the fruit to dominate rather than oak. Steven believes this will age gracefully for 20 years and I have no doubt.

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}

Paired this evening with a twenty-four-hour marinated flank steak seasoned with Chaka sauce, mesquite pepper, Flatiron Peppers -Dark & Smoky Rub (Ancho, Chipotle & Habanero peppers) and Applewood Smoked salt. This flank steak was tenderized and served medium rare being so tender you could cut it with a fork! Accompanied by Yukon Gold potato, artichoke and a fresh garden salad. If you have a wine that was fit for a King, you might as well enjoy the food with the same pedigree!

While many winemakers may think this might be their masterpiece, many great things are still a foot at Steven Kent Winery and his line up of wines. Here is an article detailing some of their projects: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/07/22/a-tasting-experience-and-conversation-with-steven-mirassou-at-steven-kent-winery/.

Stay tuned……

Sláinte,

Michael Kelly

https://californiawinesandwineries.com

https://www.stevenkent.com/

https://www.flatironpepper.com