Cabernet Franc
2020 Mineral Wines Cabernet Franc and The Winery is Relocated to Idaho!
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Brett Keller and his wife Andrea own Mineral Wines formerly located in Murphys, California. Brett started out in Hospitality Management but eventually went back to school earning his degree in Viticulture and Enology in 2003. When Brett and Andrea moved back to Angels Camp (Calaveras County), Brett took over management of Andrea’s family 4-acre Cherokee Creek Vineyard. Initially this property grew exclusively Merlot, but subsequently Brett grafted three acres of vineyard to Roussanne, Viognier and Petite Sirah. These are the main stay and define Mineral Wines. In addition, they produce Zinfandel, Malbec, and various Meritage blends, Tempranillo, Barbera, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in the Sierra foothills.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
More recently Brett and family moved to Eagle, Idaho. There he is amid setting up his new winery location, still being called Mineral Wines. He has established himself with local folks assisting in yearly crushes. While still having some varieties of grapes from the Sierra foothills, he has begun making Idaho based wines, specifically Malbec and Syrah. In 2022 he made a Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blend all from the Snake River Valley. The most recent vintage is his 2023 Syrah and a Merlot from a local vineyard just outside of Eagle, Idaho. On their 10-acre estate in Eagle, they have completed their plans for the winery and are currently heading for permitting it to start in early Spring.
In a conversation with Brett one very interesting fact is that Idaho was declared the leading consuming state is the US by per capita by VinePair (https://vinepair.com/articles/map-states-drink-wine-america-2020/)
When they open their doors, Mineral Wines will hit the road at full speed with over 30 Gold and Double Medals to win the hearts and palates of those in Eagle Foothills AVA on the edge of Treasure Valley in Idaho.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2020 Mineral Wine Cabernet Franc is a deep crimson color on the eyes and medium viscosity. On the nose aromas of violets, black fruits and black cherry abound. On the palate, blackberry, cigar tobacco, balanced with a subtle vanilla spice presents a very drinkable Cabernet Franc. The finish has the typical pyrazine (green bell pepper) but it is in the background providing a smooth finish. The tannins are tame and enjoyable. Unfortunately, this was their last release as the vineyard where they were getting the grapes was ripped out.
Note on the label the Fluorite ‘Alien Eye’ with Aquamarine ‘lashes’ – Erongo Mountain, Namibia.
The current release of 2020 Mineral Wines Cabernet Franc, along with the limited release 20217 and 2019 vintages can be viewed at www.mineralwines.com and are available by calling Brett directly at 209-743-4100.
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
Pulled this wine from the cellar to pair with a wonderful “wintertime” comfort food this evening. It was Jalapeno Meat Loaf, perfect for a damp and rainy evening. Ingredients included panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced jalapeno peppers, minced garlic, shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, honey and chili powder. A slight change this evening was the addition of a modicum of Flatiron Pepper Company’s Hatch Valley Green pepper combination spice. It included Hatch Valley Green for bright chili flavor, Jalapeno for classic flavor and moderate heat and Habanero as an extra kicker! This provided the right amount of spice, flavor and heat to complete the meat loaf. Accompanied by a baked Russet potato and roasted Brussel sprouts drizzled with Balsamic.
The food and wine pairing was spectacular with the combination of spice in the meal and the fruit in the wine.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Two Dracaena Wines Cabernet Franc’s – 2019 Classic and 2021 Reserve, Both Are Winners!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
It is often stated that “success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently”. No truer words sum up what Dracaena Cabernet Franc has done over the last ten years! Seven years ago, at the first International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition, Dracaena won Best of Show (overall) with the Professional Judges. They have consistently won awards every year since and we are now beginning the 7th Annual event. In addition, they have won Gold, Double Gold at SF Chronicle, 93 points by Decanter, won top 30 picks of wines from Paso Robles and too many others to list here.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Michael & Lori Budd were the force behind getting December 4th on the calendar as International Cabernet Franc Day. Lori, besides having a food science background and a graduate degree from UC Davis in the winemaking program, is a published author, award winning blog writer and podcast producer/host for Exploring the Wine Glass.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2019 Classic wine came from the Plummer Vineyard in San Luis Obispo County. and it is described as filled with “aromas described as spice and plum. The long finish is framed by structure tannins”. A key point not to be lost is that this wine winning awards at the International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition comes from judges all from the northern California region. It shows the quality of their product and the impartiality of the judges. Ditto for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition with judges from various regions. Competitions are blind tastings so truly their wines stand out!
The wine possessed a beautiful dark chocolate on the finish and solid defined tannins. The 2019 Classic had eight percent Petit Verdot providing both great coloring and body to the wine. The current Classic vintage is 2023 and goes for $42/bottle.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2021 Reserve is 100% Cabernet Franc from the Plummer Vineyard. This wine fills the olfactory senses with dark fruits from the first smell. What follows are black cherry and dark chocolate. The finish is softer and mellower than the Classic but providing enormous mouth filling enjoyment. The current vintage is the 2023 Metz Vineyard Reserve and is priced at $55/bottle.
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 seasoned and seared ribeye steak. Seasoned with applewood salt, mesquite seasoning, Woodfired garlic seasoning and Flatiron Pepper Company Hatch Valley Green (Hatch Green Chile, Jalapeno and Habanero peppers). Seared at 1500 degrees and served medium rare. Accompanied by fresh sauteed green beans and short and long brown rice (not shown).
A beautiful food and wine pairing. The 2019 Classic Dracaena Cabernet Franc with its stronger tannins interacted with the meat to soften the fat for a smooth flavor. The fruit of 2019 also helped in surrounding some of the heat from the spices.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Dracaena Wines is in Paso Robles with a tasting room located at 1244 Pine Street Suite 101B, in downtown Paso Robles. This is a dog friendly and comfortable setting to sip and interact with Lori and/or Mike on their wines. They currently produce, besides their two Cabernet Franc wines, Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Picpoul, Blanc de Franc and Cinnabari (a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cab Franc and 5% Merlot). I have tasted all but the Picpoul and each of the wines are delicious and solid representation of the varietal or blend.
A portion of their tasting room in Paso Robles Photo ©Michael Kelly
Previously I wrote a story comparing Dracaena Wines as a David verses Goliath story as a small winery making a big mark in the industry.
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2020/01/14/dracaena-wines-a-david-verses-goliath-story/
This small boutique winery is definitely getting noticed besides their Cabernet Franc awards, they have also won at the 2022 Los Angeles Invitational Wine and Spirits Challenge a Gold Medal and Best of Show for their Chenin Blanc.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 CULMINATION Cabernet Franc a Cut Above and for Discerning Cab Franc Drinkers!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
The word culmination is defined by the “end point or final stage of something you’ve been working toward or something that’s been building up”. Synonyms are apex, climax, peak, pinnacle, summit or zenith. Wood Family Vineyards, having made dozens upon dozens of award-winning wines, decided to launch a second label in 2024. The second label is the culmination of intense understanding of the vineyard management, grape harvesting, production techniques, barrel choices and wines their customers desired. Simply stated the culmination of decades of intense knowledge and experience was more than appropriate to call the new label CULMINATION!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
So why this new label and offering? Often a second label is the function of selecting grapes from a particular row in the vineyard, special barrels, pricing profiling or aging considerations. From conversations with Harrison Wood VP and Rhonda Wood the winemaker, the second label is much more than augmenting their current production. The CULMINATION label is reserved for a complete selection process and techniques producing some of the same varieties they produce at Wood Family Vineyards with extraordinary attention to detail. For example, their Wood Family Vineyards award-winning Cabernet Franc (Gold Medal, Double Gold Medals, etc.) come 100% from the One Oak Vineyard.
The previous CULMINATION Cabernet Franc came from two different vineyards. This year all the grapes were harvested from their estate vineyard.
Their intention is to introduce an elevated experience beyond their current offering and tasting room enjoyment. The CULMINATION wines will be targeted at wine connoisseurs and those wanting a more intimate experience with possible food pairings like their sunset dinners with CULMINATION WINES this year, called the CULMINATION Experience in the vineyard that was recently held.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As mentioned earlier, this wine is from their estate vineyard in Livermore. 82% came from their original vineyard One Oak and the remaining 18% came from their second planting on their estate. The 2023 Cabernet Franc provides a truly remarkable flavor profile of Old-World verses California Cabernet Franc meeting. Many California Cabernet Franc wines are dark, robust, bold and earthy. French Cabernet Franc wines are typically elegant with softer, silker tannins. CULMINATION Cabernet Franc pulls these two contrasting flavor profiles and presents them united in the same bottle. A great analogy for this wine is a gymnast on a balance beam requiring both grace and strength in a routine.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
On the eyes the core center of the glass being an enticing dark color and medium viscosity. On the nose, violets and dark fruits waft into the senses. I did notice that having left it open for an hour, more aromas were present. On the palate, here the gymnast analogy comes into play with not brutish force stating “take notice of me” but underlying structure and finesse coming into play. Dark fruit of raspberries and blackberries with a tinge of blueberries developed a full and complete play in the mouth. The finish was intriguing with initially soft and rounded tannins then developing into robust and stately tannins. There was also a flinty and minerality presence at the conclusion. The wine really is a food companion wine with its strong tannins. This wine is for serious and discerning imbibers of Cabernet Franc. This is your California Cabernet Franc without training wheels!
At the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition, their initial 2022 CULMINATION Cabernet Franc took a Gold Medal from the Professional Judges.
For the 2023 Culmination Cabernet Franc only 150 cases were produced. It is scheduled to be released in December 2025 at $80/bottle and at 14% alcohol.
The barrel treatment was 32% new French oak and most of the balance used French oak. It was aged in barrels for 19 months. One of the unique characteristics of this wine will be its ability to be aged 10-15 years in my opinion.
This wine just made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025 with its fruit and robust tannins hitting my precise target!
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 seared and BBQ’ed filet mignons to medium rare and topped with Blue Cheese, butter and chive dollop. Accompanied by sliced Russet potato wedges, seasoned and baked with Parmesan cheese. Also sauteed mushrooms and steamed broccoli. The food and wine pairing were excellent with the full dark fruit of the wine enveloping the meat and tannins cutting through the rich meat. The strong tannins stood up to the meat and the mushrooms enhanced the earthiness; a key characteristic found in Cabernet Franc.
I look forward to tasting it again at the formal release in December 2025.
Sláinte,
Michael
2019 Brick Barn Estate “Fatalist” Cabernet Franc – A Real Treat This Week
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
This wine won so many awards at the 5th Annual International Cabernet Franc (2024) it was remarkable! First, they won Best of Category ($101 and up) as well as Double Gold Medals by the Professional Judges. The People’s Choice Judges also awarded it Double Gold Medals, Best of Category, Best of Show for California Cabernet Franc wines and Grand Sweepstakes for all divisions. While Brick Barn had submitted in prior competitions with their regular Cabernet Franc winning many awards, this is truly a remarkable feat for this first-time entry of Fatalist Cabernet Franc!!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Santa Ynez Valley AVA
Map from https://carrwinery.com/
The AVA is unique to California as it is a long, east-west valley with both cool and warm climates. This allows for a range of varieties to be grown from Pinot Noir closer to the ocean breezes/fog to Cabernet Franc/Sauvignon to the eastern regions. Many Rhone grape varietals also have thrived in this versatile appellation such as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, Roussanne and Viognier.
The Winery
Norman and Kathleen Williams started with a vision for his 40 acres acquired in 1968. Today the property, Buell Ranch, has expanded to 1,060 acres with 35 acres planted in vineyards. Their inaugural wines were produced from the 2015 vintage, and they opened the tasting room in 2018. For a “more recent winery” they have garnered a real presence in Santa Ynez Valley.
Their “terroir” is unique being between the Pacific Ocean (only 10 miles away) and the warmer inland valley. This allows both the cool marine elements of morning fog and breezes to co-mingle with the warmth of the summer months. The net effect is ripening steadily and closing down for evening, producing great natural acidity and layers of structure/complexity for the grapes.
Picture from Brick Barn Estate Winery
The winemaker is Adrian Bolshoi who upholds the vineyards “non-invasive farming practices” that allow the vineyards to speak for and show their distinct personalities. Thus, minimal interventions are the hallmark of their wines. They use a variety of vessels in the making of their wines, including neutral oak barrels, new oak barrels, oak puncheons, stainless steel, and concrete. The reason being to highlight each wine’s fermentation process, which expresses the varietals full characteristics.
Today their award-winning white wines include Chardonnay (various), Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino and Viognier. Their red wines include Cabernet Franc (& a Reserve), Grenache, Pinot Noir (various), Rhone Blend and Syrah. Additionally, they produce their Fatalist label featuring the finest barrels and tedious management and craftsmanship. Those wines in the Fatalist lineup include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
For both the standard and Fatalist offerings the awards are too numerous to list and can be found at:
https://www.brickbarnwineestate.com/wines/accolades/
“Fatalistic” can be conjectured as an odd name, but indeed it comes from the word “fate”. The meaning of fate from Oxford Dictionary “is the development of events beyond a person’s control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power”. Fatalistic is someone who shows a belief in fate and feels they cannot control events or stop them happening. While the vineyards may help the quality of the grapes determined by their location, I do think Adrian Bolshoi plays a major role in the outcome of this wine as winemaker! So perhaps “pseudo-Fatalistic” would more aptly describe this wine?
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
They first introduced the Fatalist Cabernet Franc with their 2017 vintage. The 2019 is now their second release. First on the eyes a deep royal purple and maroon coloring and medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose dark cherry and then bursts into the olfactory senses with floral aromas of violets and fresh roses quickly following. On the palate upon the first sip, the dark cherries spring forth with an appropriate amount of fruit, cedar and a faint vanilla pipe tobacco and rhubarb. The finish provides stately pedigree tannins but come across with a velvety presence. The result being an extremely smooth and balanced wine! Perhaps one of the most graceful finishes from recent memory.
Only two barrels of this exquisite wine were produced using Russian oak. It is listed at $180/bottle and comes in a remarkable low 13.6% alcohol content for such a big and bold flavor. This wine will make my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025 (out in December).
The 2020 vintage is their current release.
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 marinated Tri tip steak for twelve hours in Chaka then seared and BBQ’ed to medium. The steak was also seasoned before BBQ-ing with Flatiron Pepper Company’s Dark and Smoky spice combining Chipotle, Ancho and Habanero flakes. Accompanied by halved small seasoned and roasted potatoes and a fresh garden salad with bacon, cherry tomatoes and green onions. A wonderful food and wine pairing this week!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Two Fun Instagram Reels
I recently have done two wine stories but these two were especially fun to put together. For those who aren’t on Instagram or don’t follow me there, thought It would be nice to put the link on the website!
First is the one on Oakville East “Franc ‘N Stern” ( a play on Elliot’s last name Stern) with his 2016 Cabernet Franc. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUKE_pCTf7/?igsh=NGx3dDIxN2lrem1z
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The second on is on Wood Family Vineyards and their upcoming new release of “Against the Grain” Bourbon barrel aged wine. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPKhly9AYc7/?igsh=NXE3ZXduMDZya3Jt
Photo ©Michael Kelly
You can generally find after each story on the website an Instagram Reel.
Enjoy and Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2016 Oakville East “Franc ‘n Stern” Cabernet Franc Perfect for October (and anytime)!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
Elliot Stern Pouring at the 5th International Cabernet Franc Wine Stroll Photo ©Michael Kelly
The name Franc ‘N Stern is intriguing as is Elliot Stern, owner, who has called his Cabernet Franc, Franc ‘N Stern since the introduction. I met Elliot many, many years ago and went through his lineup of wines at his kitchen table. I immediately enjoyed his Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc. I have always kept both in the cellar as “trophy wines”. The Franc ‘N Stern Cab Franc is an easily remembered name and his wine notes are whimsical and play on the “Frankenstein” theme. His notes alone are price worthy. Currently besides their Cabernet Franc, he produces two distinct Cabernet Sauvignons (Exposure and Double H Ranch) and a red wine blend. He has previously scored 94 points from Wine Enthusiast for his Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon Exposure. Marie-Laure Ammons, originally from France is the head winemaker at Oakville East.
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine is extremely dark purple and magenta colored with crimson red hues. On the nose, dark fruits, violets, soft pipe tobacco, dark chocolate and fresh ground black pepper. On the palate, spices, including reclusive pyrazines (bell pepper taste), along with blackberries swarm the mouth with enticing and vibrant flavors. Rounded velvety tannins provide a medium long finish. With Marie-Laure coming from France, this is a very smooth wine combining both the old world and new world Cabernet Franc wine making skills.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is 90% Cabernet Franc and adds 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. As Elliot states in his humorous notes, “IT’S ALIVE, IT’S ALIVE!! This wine retails for $100 and is worth every penny. This wine will make my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for calendar year 2025.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2021 Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Franc – An Immediate Winner!
Background
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition, Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery entered their first ever Cabernet Franc. It was placed in the $71-$85 category for California Cabernet Franc wines. Two different sets of judges rated their wine. From the disciplined Professional Judges they received a Gold Medal. From the People’s Judges they received both a Gold Medal and Best of Category for their price range. An excellent result from their first release of Cabernet Franc!
Stuart on the left and Charlie on the right Photo ©Michael Kelly
I had the privilege of meeting with Stu and Charlie Smith in August of 2024. An encounter which is paramount in my wine experiences. For the full story on the meeting and topics discussed you can read more at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/08/14/smith-madrone-vineyards-paradise-found/ . It was at this meeting that I mentioned the upcoming 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition and they were very interested in entering their first vintage.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Smith-Madrone Vineyards is located on 200 acres on top of Spring Mountain west of St. Helena with 38 acres planted in vineyards. The vineyard elevation ranges from 1,300 to 2,000 feet. The founder, managing partner and enologist is Stuart Smith, Charles Smith is the winemaker, and the associate winemaker is François Bugué. Truly a family affair! All the wines are estate and dry-farmed on top of the mountain. Currently their production is approximately 6,000 cases a year. They produce Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and their iconic Cooks Flat (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) and a recently released Cabernet Franc.
Their wealth of knowledge about winemaking, Napa Valley varieties, Napa Valley politics (which there are plenty), and the history of Napa Valley is astonishing. I can only compare it to me with a paint by numbers canvas talking to Michelangelo when he was painting the Sistine Chapel. While both being very knowledgeable, they were matter of fact humbly quiet and with a great sense of humor!
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A quick background on Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley. Per the USDA California Errata to the Grape Crush Report Crop Year 2024 (dated August 25, 2025), Napa Valley crushed 3,682 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon. A small pittance compared to the 78,562 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes crushed. In California as a whole Cabernet Franc represented only .003% of the grapes crushed for 2024. Whereas Cabernet Sauvignon represented 15.5%. Many do not understand the resurgence of Cabernet Franc commanding an average price of $5,206/per ton vs Cabernet Sauvignon’s average price of $2,186/per ton. Cabernet Franc, while small in comparison to tonnage crushed, its price is more than double that of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon may be King of the varieties, but maybe Cabernet Franc should be the one wearing the crown!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2021 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Franc comes from their vineyards that have been “pruned, cultivated and harvested in the same manner, creating wines of distinction and complexity” per Stuart. The wine is 89% Cabernet Franc and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon coming in at 14.7% alcohol. The wine spent 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels slumbering to perfection!
This Cabernet Franc on the eyes is dark and intriguing beckoning the imbiber to come closer and partake of a sip. On the nose, aromas of violets and pepper are dominant wafting into the senses. On the palate, medium weight and creamy (not taste), but a texturally sensation in the mouth. Black cherries are the primary and first flavor that springs forth. Secondary flavors of smooth blueberries surround the palate with joyous “chanting”. On the finish, green fruit is not noticeably (pyrazine characteristics) but silky smooth and caressing tannins catch your attention for a tasty conclusion to each sip.
Smith-Madrone Vineyards produced only 153 cases compared to their world famous dry Riesling of 1,087 cases. The current release of 2021 will not be available long and listed on their website for $85/bottle.
On my previous visit to Smith-Madrone I was able to taste it prior to being released. Now having more than a taste, this wine will now make my Annual Best Wines Tasted in the calendar year. This now gives Smith-Madrone two for 2025.
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
Chose this wine specifically to pair with a seared (1500 degrees) and BBQ’ed ribeye steak to medium rare. Accompanied by a Yukon potato and sauteed Brussel sprouts with mushrooms slices. An excellent treat with the wine and steak being paired beautifully this evening.
I can hardly wait to taste their second vintage of Cabernet Franc!
Sláinte,
Michael
2018 Palazzo Wines Cabernet Franc Reserve – An Excellent Treat!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Scott Palazzo has entered the International Cabernet Franc Competition for several years. Over the years he has won consistently Gold and Double Gold for his Cabernet Franc. The most current competition he did not enter due to previous smoke damage to the vineyards. We enjoyed last evening his 2018 and it was a treat to taste this exquisite wine.
The Winery
Picture from Palazzo website
Scott Palazzo’s background is both unique and fascinating how he ended up being a winemaker. Scott grew up in an Italian family which influenced both his understanding of wine as an everyday event as well as with food and celebrations. At age 19, Scott set out with his guitar on his back and ended up in Europe. There he ended up in Saint Émilion (on the Right Bank of Bordeaux’s Gironde River). This became his wine paramount experience shaping his palate for years to come and the foundation for Palazzo Wine some 20+ years later. In 2003, after establishing a career as a television director/producer (nominated Grammy for Music Video & Television Director/Producer), he began searching for a similar terroir that he enjoyed while living in Saint Émilion.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Key to his success was his charismatic and energetic personality! Scott combined his experience with Old World wine in the cellar with New World fruit from lower Napa Valley rolling hills. Today his wines are featured by some of the world’s most famous wine restaurants. A small partial listing is French Laundry, Gary Danko, Michael Mina, Per, Daniel, Gramercy Tavern, Eleven Madison Park, Spago, Bouchon, Mastro’s Steakhouse, Emeril’s, Valintino’s, etc. The full list of restaurants can be found on his website, suffice to say, in any major city, find a prestigious restaurant and you will find Palazzo Wine!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Today Scott’s portfolio of wines includes his Master Blend Series (Left Bank Cuvee, Chardonnay, Rosé) and Reserve Wine Series (Cuvee Blanc, Right Bank Blend, Cabernet Franc).
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Scott started making his Cabernet Franc exclusively for The French Laundry in Yountville. This catapulted his wine instantly to “cult status”. This story is on his 2018 vintage of Cabernet Franc. On the eyes, this is a very deep red color with medium-heavy viscosity. What wafts into the nose is a symphony of aromas from floral notes of crushed violets to red fruits like cherries and raspberries. Once entering the mouth all the individual parts burst into a taste profile like the 1812 Overture music with triumphant notes. Red and black cherries, subtle spices like pepper are counterbalanced with hints of dark chocolate and ripe plum. On the finish only a hint of pyrazines (herbal notes), this wine is vibrant, yet silky smooth beckoning one to take another sip. Structured and defined layers with silky smooth tannins and yet with defined edges are present. One of the smoothest finishes on a world class Cabernet Franc I have tasted.
This wine is 14.1% alcohol and 2018 was rated 94 points by Jeb Dunnuck and won the Sommeliers Choice Awards Gold Medal in 2022. It spent 14 months in 30% new French oak and 70% neutral French oak.
The current release is 2016 Cabernet Franc and is priced around $115 and rated 96 points by Wine Advocate. It received from the American Wine Society Wine Competition a Gold Medal and “Best Cabernet Franc” and from the International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition a Double Gold Medal.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2015 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Franc – One of Pedigree and Silkiness
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Winery
At the top of Spring Mountain AVA, at 2600-foot elevation is Barnett Vineyards. The trek up the switchback road to the peak is worth the adventure. Upon reaching Barnett Vineyards, you are greeted with a breathtaking view looking back towards Howell Mtn. The Valley floor is the area between Calistoga and St Helena. Unfortunately, the day this picture was taken it was a bit overcast, but on their website you will find a few beautiful sunny photos. As you can see the terrain is very sloped (30 degrees and more)!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A quick background on the owners, Fiona and Hall Barnett. They bought the 40-acre property in 1983 and established Cabernet as their initial varietal. In 2007 they hired David Tate as Winemaker and General Manager.
Photo Barnett Vineyards website
For those who do not know David, he is a very “solid contributor” to the wine industry at large and has had a phenomenal impact on Barnett Vineyards. David has produced wine in Australia, France, New Zealand and now Napa Valley. His influence from vineyards to wine making has shown well with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rattlesnake Hill receiving a 98+ points from Robert Parker. It is truly a 98–100-point wine with its dark concentrated mountain fruit and layering of structure and beautiful tannins. He believes it “will last 18-20 years”. This wine goes for $250/bottle and is extremely delicious! It is on the exclusive members release only.
The Cabernet Franc rivals some of the best in the Valley with its dark purple color with hints of floral and dark chocolate. In my opinion these two are the premier wines at Barnett Vineyards. Current release is the 2022 vintages and unfortunately are member exclusives!
They also produce Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay (2), Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (2).
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
After dinner last evening we went to sit on the patio deck enjoying the sunset. Pulled this 2015 Barnett Vineyards Cabernet Franc out of the cellar as a special treat as we have enjoyed it since its release. The 2015 Cabernet Franc has a deep purple coloration and has a medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromas of dark lush fruit along with floral notes waft into the imbiber’s senses. Once into the mouth, a beautiful roundness with velvety mouthfeel is immediately noticed. On the palate, tastes of dark fruits and berries are dominant. Secondary flavors of chocolate and spices follow. On the finish overwhelming concludes with velvety softness yet with mountain fruit acidity and tannins of comfort and roundness. The 6% of Merlot most likely was key in the mellower aspects of the gestalt of the wine. A long and embracing finish with this Cabernet Franc.
It will make my annual Best Wines Tasted for 2025! This wine is one of the top 15 Cabernet Franc’s coming out of Napa Valley. The current release is 2022 and goes for $110/bottle and is a club release only.
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
I usually pair food with wine, but as mentioned this was enjoyed as an after dinner drink. Could not think of a better way to watch the sunset.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly, Founder of the Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition
Two Home Runs in One Evening – Both 2014’s, Crocker & Starr Cabernet Franc & Meyer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background:
Had a very busy few days moving my wife’s mother to an assisted living facility. It is amazing how much a 97-year-old can accumulate (even with a prior house sale three years ago!). After one day of physical labor and a couple of days of arranging furniture, fixing little things, hanging pictures, getting medical records, shopping for supplies, etc., the work was 99% completed on Tuesday late afternoon. Came home and decided to celebrate a bit with two excellent wines after a few emotional and intense days.
Wine #1 – 2014 Crocker & Starr Cabernet Franc
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2014 Crocker & Starr Cabernet Franc possessed a bright purple hue on the eyes. On the nose, a fascinating combination of plum, vanilla and clove were the first impressions. On the mouth, a classic light “green vegetable/bell pepper” characteristics which gave way to dark & red fruits, tea and a hint of dark chocolate. The finish was long and mellow with residual sweet pipe tobacco. At the “beta event” for the International Cabernet Franc Competition the 2015 Crocker & Starr came in second. If we had tasted the 2014, I am sure it would have won!! Pricing on the web shows it from $80 to $120/bottle. Enjoyed this wine with a quick and simple dinner.
(more on this wine can be found at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2019/10/21/2007-oshaughnessy-mount-veeder-cabernet-sauvignon-and-2014-crocker-starr-cabernet-franc/ )
Wine #2 – 2014 Meyer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wine Spectator rated it 95 points and Parker in the 90’s. In 2017 it was listed as #7 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines. Meyer Vineyard fruit is on the hillside estate vineyard and aged 18 month in French oak barrels. On the eyes it is a very deep crimson color and heavy viscosity. On the nose dark fruits and chocolate waft into the senses. But similar only in the analogy of a circus clowns coming one after another from a tiny car, this wine continues to unfurl with flavors, layers and aromas. Dark cherry is prominent along with vanilla pipe tobacco with a finish of black licorice and long-lasting enjoyment. Pricing ranges from $80 to $100/bottle on the web.
(more on this story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/02/12/meyer-vineyards-2014-cabernet-sauvignon-8-of-wine-spectators-top-100-2017/ )
No food was tasted with this wine, just simply to enjoy sipping for the evening which we both did!!
Can’t wait to finish them this evening!
Sláinte,
Michael