cabernet-franc
The 6th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition Results – Dedicated Exclusively to Cabernet Franc Wines
Not all the bottles of competition shown (Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The 6th Annual Cabernet Franc Wine Competition was held yesterday on March 5th at the Copperopolis Armory. It was constructed in 1864 and is now a California designated Historical Site. The format for the blind competition utilizes the Danish system, where the wines are “bagged and tagged and marked with coded numbers”. There were four tables of wine judges (2 tables of Professional Judges and 2 tables People’s Choice Judges each with 3 judges at each table) voting on medal designation, Best of Category, Best of Show and Grand Sweepstakes Winner. If all could not agree on the medal, which does happens, then a lively discussion going over the key characteristics of the specific wine is debated to reach a consensus award by each group of judges.
In total there were eight Divisions this year. They were the Eastern Division, Central Division, Northwest Division, Southwest Division, California Divsiion, International, Blend (must be 50% Cab Franc) and Specialty (Cab Franc Ice Wine, Rose, Appassimento, Blanc, etc.). In total 96 wines entered the competition. The event started at 8:30 am and went non-stop, concluding at 2:30 pm with a luncheon for the judges and volunteers.
One of the two tables of Professional Judges (L to R-Tom Bender, Debra Miller, Martha)
The Grand Sweepstakes winner from the Professional Judges was the 2021 Yates Family Vineyard in Mount Veeder AVA in Napa Valley, California. Here they have 35 acres of hillside estate vineyards. It is 100% Cabernet Franc from their estate. In addition, they won Double Gold Medals, Best of Category and Best of Show from the Professional Judges. The People’s Choice Judges awarded them a Silver Medal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
The Grand Sweepstakes winner from the People’s Choice Judges was 2020 Creekside Cellars from Evergreen, Colorado. They are located at 7200 feet elevation. The grapes came from the Grand Valley AVA ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 elevation. They won Best of Category, Double Gold, Best of Show from the People’s Choice Judges and the Professional Judges awarded them a Silver Medal.
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Detail stories on the Grand Sweepstakes winners will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Below are the listing for Best of Class and Medal Awards (just showing Gold & Silver) for the various Divisions.
PROFESSIONAL JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Division:
Best of Show: Boundary Breaks Vineyard from the Finger Lakes AVA in New York. They were also awarded Double Gold
Medal Awards:
Sheldrake Point – Gold (2022)
Philip Carter Winery – Gold (2022)
Wolffer Estate – Silver (2022)
Roanoke Vineyard “Poet” – Silver (2022)
Narmada Winery – Silver (2020)
Roanoke Vineyard “Gabby” – Silver (2022)
Quartz Rock Vineyard – Silver (2023)
Ducard Vineyards – Silver (2022)
Roanoke Vineyard “Merlot” – Silver (2022)
Chateau Niagara – Silver (2023)
Central Division:
Best of Show: Heineman Winery located in the Lake Erie AVA.
Northwest Division:
Best of Show: Spangler Vineyards located in Roseburg, Oregon. They also received Best of Class and a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Quady North Winery – Gold (Applegate Vineyard) – 2020
Camaraderie – Silver (2021)
Terra Vina – Silver (2022)
Alexander Nicole (2021)
Southwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Vivac Winery located in Dixon, New Mexico from the New Mexico AVA with their 2022 vintage.
Creekside Cellars – Silver (2020)
California USA Division:
Best of California Division overall: Yates Family Vineyard
Best of Category 1 (up to $40):
Best of Category: Darcie Kent Vineyards (Lemmons Vineyard) – 2023
Medal Awards:
Eco Terreno – Silver (2022)
Quest – Silver (2022)
Lava Cap – Silver (2022)
Sierra Vista – Silver (2022)
Fenestra – Silver (2021)
Revolution Wines – Silver (2022)
Fenestra – Silver (2022)
Best of Category 2 ($41 to $55):
Best of Category: Mitchell Katz located in Livermore, California. They also won Double Gold for their 2020 vintage.
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge – Double Gold (2022)
3 Steves – Double Gold (2019)
Notre Vue – Double Gold (2021)
Kenefick Ranch – Double Gold (2022)
McGrail Vineyards – Gold (2021)
Shale Canyon – Gold (2019)
Rosa Fierro Cellars – Gold (2021)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver (2022)
McKenzie-Mueller – Silver (2020)
L & M Vineyard – Silver (2021)
Wood Family Vineyard – Silver (2022)
Dracaena Wines Reserve – Silver (2022)
Le Vigne Winery – Silver (2022)
Omega Road – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 3 ($56 to $70):
Best of Category: Donati Family Vineyard for their 2021 vintage and Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Eco Terreno – Double Gold (2018)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Double Gold (2022)
Sequoia Grove – Gold (2021)
Titus Vineyards – Gold (2022)
Selin Cellars – Silver (2022)
Mid-Point Winery – Silver (2021)
Foxen Vineyard & Winery – Silver (2021)
Peltzer Winery – Silver (2020)
Best of Category 4 ($71 to $85):
Best of Category: Yates Family Vineyard for their 2021 from Mount Veeder AVA.
Medal Awards:
Smith-Madrone – Gold (2021)
Culmination – Gold (2022)
Brecon Estate – Silver (2022)
Bianchi Winery – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 5 ($85 to $105):
Best of Category: Middle Oak Wines for their 2021 vintage and Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Ledson Winery & Vineyards – Double Gold (2021)
Brecon Estate Reserve – Gold (2022)
Canard Vineyard – Silver (2021)
International Division
Best of Show: Pillitteri Estate Vineyard & Winery for their 2022 “Cellar” Cabernet Franc from Canada.
Medal Awards:
Le Monde – Silver (2020) from Italy
Pillitteri Estate Vineyard & Winery – Silver (2020 – paper label) from Canada
Specialty Division:
Best of Show: Chateau Niagara for their “Appassimento style” Cabernet Franc from Niagara County.
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Gold for their Ice Wine (2019)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver – Cab Franc Blanc (2024)
3 Steves Winery – Silver – Cab Franc Rose (2024)
Blend Division (must be 50% Cabernet Franc grapes):
Best of Show: 3 Steves Winery for their 2022 Blend receiving also a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Philip Carter (Ten Vines) – Gold (2023)
Foxen – Silver (2020)
Graveyard Vintage – Silver (2022)
Quady North – Silver (2022)
Toast Winery – Silver (2022)
Cuda Ridge – Silver (2022)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Silver (2022)
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PEOPLE’S CHOICE JUDGES RESULTS:
Eastern USA Division:
Best of Show: Chateau Niagara for their 2023 from New York. Also Received Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Sheldrake Point – Gold (2022)
Wolffer Estate – Gold (2020)
Boundary Breaks – Silver (2023)
Wolffer Estate – Silver (2022)
Philip Carter Winery – Silver (2023)
Quartz Rock – Silver (2023)
Roanoke Vineyards – Silver (2022)
Glendale Ridge Vineyard – Silver (2020)
Central USA Division:
Best of Show: Heineman Winery located in the Lake Erie AVA and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Silver Crest – Silver (2019)
Northwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Alexander Nicole for their 2021 and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Spangler Vineyards – Silver (2021)
Quady North Winery – Silver (2020)
Camaraderie – Silver (2021)
Southwest USA Division:
Best of Show: Creekside Cellars for their 2020 and won Double Gold
Medal Awards:
Vivac Winery – Gold (2022)
California USA Division:
Best of California Division overall was L’Autre Cote from Livermore and won Double Gold.
Best of Show for Category 1 (up to $40
Del Valle – Double Gold (2021)
Medal Awards:
Darcie Kent Vineyards – Double Gold (Strong Silent, 2021)
Fenestra – Double Gold (2022)
Eco Terreno – Silver (2022)
Quest – Silver (2023)
Lava Cap – Silver (2022)
Sierra Vista – Silver (2022)
Revolution Wines – Silver (2022)
Best of Category 2 ($41 to $55):
Best of Category: Wood Family Vineyards – Double Gold (2022)
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge Wines – Double Gold (2022)
McGrail Vineyards – Double Gold (2021)
Le Vigne – Gold (2022)
McKenzie-Mueller – Gold (2020)
Darcie Kent Vineyards – Gold (2022, Stone Patch)
Mitchell Katz – Gold (2020)
Kennefick Ranch – Gold (2022)
Rosa Fierro Cellars – Silver (2021)
Notre Vue – Silver (2021)
Omega Road – Silver (2021)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver (2022)
Cinnabar Winery – Silver (2022)
Dracaena Wines – Silver (2022)
L & M Vineyards – Silver (2021)
Dracaena Wines, Reserve – Silver (2022)
3 Steves – Silver (2019)
Schema – Silver (2023)
Ancient Peaks – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 2 ($56 to $70):
Best of Category: J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines and won Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Peltzer Family – Double Gold (2020)
Titus Vineyards – Gold (2022)
Donati Family – Silver (2021)
Selin Cellars – Silver (2022)
Eco Terreno – Silver (2018)
Sequoia Grove – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 3 ($71 to $85):
Best of Category: Smith-Madrone Vineyards for their 2021 and won Gold.
Medal Awards:
Yates Family Wine – Silver (2021)
Culmination – Silver (2022)
Brecon Estate – Silver (2022)
Bianchi Winery – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 4 ($86 to $105):
Best of Category: Ledson Winery for their Moon Mountain 2021. They also won Double Gold.
Medal Awards:
Brecon Estate Reserve – Gold (2022)
Canard Vineyard – Silver (2021)
Middle Oak Wines – Silver (2021)
Best of Category 5 ($106 & up):
Best of Category: L’ Autre Cote for their 2022 from Livermore and winning Double Gold
Medal Awards:
LXV Wines – Double Gold (2022)
International Division:
Best of Show: Pillitteri (paper label) for their 2020 and a Silver Medal
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Silver “Cellar” (2020)
Specialty Category:
Best of Show: 3 Steves for their 2024 Rosé using one Cabernet Franc and 2 different Cabernet grapes. Also won a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Pillitteri – Gold for Ice Wine (2019)
Quady North – Silver for sparkling (2021)
Chateau Niagara – Silver for Appassimento style (2023)
Steven Kent Winery – Silver for Blanc (2024)
Cabernet Franc Blends (being a minimum of 50% Cabernet Franc grapes)
Best of Show: 3 Steves for their 2022 and a Gold Medal.
Medal Awards:
Cuda Ridge Wines – Silver (2022)
J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines – Silver (2022)
Foxen – Silver (2020)
Graveyard Vineyards – Silver (2020)
Toast Winery – Silver (2023)
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A very special thank you to both sets of judges and volunteers without which this event could not have happened!
Professional Judges were Tom Bender, Debi Miller and Martha Dunne picture at beginning of story. Unfortunately the second table did not get their picture taken consisting of Mike Dunne, Tana Cole and Michelle Becker.
People’s Choice Judges, left to right: Scott Behiel, Gary Miller and Peter Singh.
People’s Choice Judges, left to right: Chris Cox, Greg Pelican and Candy Strubbe.
No pictures of the volunteers who literally were on their feet all day running wine! A big hearty thanks!!
Susan Kelly
Ansuiya Singh
Suzanne McElroy
Mary Goulart
Darlene Besst
Patty Powers
Two special shout outs: First to Joe Goulart & Peter Singh who helped with the 6:30 am set up unloaded all the wines from cars! And the second to Susan Kelly who took on gathering and securing all the food, non-alcoholic beverages and serving materials as she was acting for the group as CEO, Catering Executive in charge of Ordering.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2018 Palazzo Cabernet Franc – An Elegant Wine
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. 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!
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 crimson 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 parts of the orchestrated flavors burst into a flavor profile like the 1812 Overture. Red and black cherries, subtle spices like pepper are counterbalanced with hints of dark chocolate. 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 still some 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. The current release is 2019 and won Gold at Sommeliers Choice Awards. It is priced around $119 and rated 96 points by Wine Advocate.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Cellar13 Cabernet Franc – Gold Medal Winner at SF Chronicle Competition
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First time tasting this 2021 Cabernet Franc and was extremely impressed! The wine is 100% Cabernet Franc from the White Cat vineyard in Livermore. The barrel treatment was 50% new being with 60% being Hungarian and 40% French barrels. The balance was neutral barrels. It was aged 18 months in the barrels and another 18 months in bottle before being released. It has already won the Gold Medal at SF Chronicle and at East Meets West another Gold Medal with 92 points. It will be released mid-April and will go for $63/bottle for wine club members only.
First on the eyes a unique purple coloring in the glass and maroon edges with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, blackberries and plums waft into the senses creating an anticipatory excitement. Once on the palate, raspberries and both minerality with earthy notes swirled in harmony in the mouth. On the finish, initially strong tannins but quickly settled down to provide a smooth and velvety conclusion. Best served between 65 and 68 degrees.
This wine will make my annual Best Wines Tasted list for 2025. Once it is released, I will be standing in line to purchase a few bottles for the cellar!
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 marinaded Carne Asada Tri Tip steak. The marinade includes garlic, onion, tomato, bell pepper, salt, cumin, smoked paprika and citrus juice. First seared for a few minutes at 1500 degrees and then BBQ’ed to medium rare. Served with fresh cilantro and limes to be squeezed onto the meat. Accompanied by Mexican rice and a fresh salad. The wine had sufficient tannins to engulf the meat, and the fruit of the wine was paired beautifully. The lime juice was a bit much for the wine, so had some of the meat without the lime juice.
The Winery
Darin Winton came from the public water services at a local municipality and while not necessarily turning water into wine he is now producing many award-winning wines! Even before retiring, Darin got his start doing volunteer work at 3 Steves Winery on his vacation, since he enjoyed their wines in Livermore and even volunteered for two weeks in Chile during harvest. There he learned “old world” techniques in winemaking, especially for Carménère. The fascination of harvesting by hand and using gravity to move wine around aroused his curiosity. In 2017, the winery where he was doing his training, allowed him to make a few small batches of wine with Livermore Valley fruit. He is indebted to 3 Steves Winery for allowing him to experience winemaking from the ground up and their subtle oversight and tutelage. Pictured below is Darin and Gail Henderson, his fiancée who assist in the marketing and sales for Cellar 13.
Photo from Cellar13
His vast number of awards are listed on his website and in a previous story at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2024/11/17/2019-cellar-13-cabernet-sauvignon-with-filet-mignon-steak/
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Middle Oak Wines Cabernet Franc -Smooth and Delicious
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Enjoyed this wine the other evening. This is Christina’s favorite wine that she produces. Her “Middle C” Cab Franc on the eyes is a lush dark ruby and purple coloring and is medium-full bodied viscosity. On the nose, black cherry is the predominate aroma that wafts into the senses followed by raspberry and herbal notes. On the palate, flavors of black cherry reign with hints of dark chocolate and a skosh of vanilla with a minimal number of pyrazines on the palate. The finish is simply remarkable, smooth with structured velvety tannins, yet soft and rounded to be noticed but not overwhelm your mouth. This wine sells for $115. They used only French oak, with 100% being new for 12 months then transferring it to neutral barrels for another 12 months. It is comprised of 92% Cabernet Franc and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Winery and Background
Christina Skinner is the owner of a small, woman-owned and family operated winery in Friendswood, Texas. Friendswood is located 23 miles southeast of Houston. Christina being a devoted artist (music and painting), had a dream to be involved with wine and the wine industry. After much studying, her dream came to life in the fall of 2021 with the introduction of her 2018 vintage “The Middle C”.
Her personal belief is that the arts and wines are intertwined disciplines. She sources her fruit from hand selected vineyards in Napa Valley, using organic, biodynamic and sustainable farming techniques producing beautiful fruit. Today, besides their Cabernet Franc, she produces Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Merlot, Red Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Christina keeps production small focusing on the high quality producing 200-300 cases a year.
Christina launched a wine club recently with a great reception. Her near-term goal is going to gradually increase her production and move to a larger more functional and versatile space for her tasting room. One of the things she is most grateful for is that every single wine produced has won at least one medal/award, every year!
Christina was fortunate to meet and work with Rudy Zuidema, a winemaking star in Napa Valley. You can read a previous story on Rudy at:
Rudy, a UC Davis graduate in viticultural, has worked as a head winemaker, vineyard manager and general manager in Napa. His experiences in winemaking include time at Cuvaison, Honig, Robert Craig, Ehlers Estate and other projects include Napa De Oro Winery, Red Cap Vineyards and his own label Zuidema Wines. Rudy is the winemaker for Middle Oak Wines.
Previously at the International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition Middle Oak Wines won various awards. For the 2023 Competition Category 5 ($101 and up) for California (based grapes), they won a Gold Medal and Best of Class from the People’s Choice Judges.
Sláinte,
Michael
2014 YoungInglewood Right Bank Blend – Funambulism Perfected
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
I have been an admirer of this winery since their inception and have always stated their label of the tightrope walker represents one of the best labels – the parallelism between showing how the tightrope walker reaching a their destination and the winemaker balancing so many facets of the production to arrive at the other side safely with a grand product.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This includes vineyard management, canopy trimming, dropping fruit, harvesting at the precise moment to extract the perfect juice, formulating the right blend, keeping tannins and fruit in check, etc. I seldom talk about wine labels but theirs is the exception. The label is one of the simplest yet says so much about their wine with the balancing of the tightrope walker. This is a paradigm for balance in the fruit, tannins, acidity and color. A little too much of any one item, and a misstep happens. Even deeper is their aspiring sense of balance in life, starting in the vineyards with organic and sustainable practices. All of this requires a firm grasp of balance and finesse summed up by a tightrope walker! Funambulism is the art of tightrope walking.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
It is a small family winery located in the southern edge of Saint Helena up against the western mountains in Napa Valley. Jim Young handling the administration, finances and the winemaking team is Jacky and Scott Young, a mother/son teaming up to make many exquisite wines. Currently they produce Aligoté, Chardonnay (Burgundian style), Vin Clair Rosé (lighter side of Malbec and Merlot), Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Right Bank Blend.
This boutique winery, which has consistently produced deep and concentrated red wines was voted one of the must visit wineries in California by the SF Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/wine/article/Young-Inglewood-an-organic-family-vineyard-with-15576338.php
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Opened last night a 2014 YoungInglewood Right Bank Blend. This wine is 39% Cabernet Franc, 39% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec. It is 14.5% alcohol and only 167 cases were produced. The percentages change yearly, and their current vintage is the 2020 at 130/bottle.
On the eyes an alluring and dark purple concentration of color with medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromatics of ripe raspberries and dark fruits. The blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot were harmonized to make a mellow presentation, yet still able to pick up the nuances of Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon played its part to allow sufficient tannins to be presented as velvety and smooth. On the palate the Malbec provided a tinge of smokiness that was noted while sipping. A beautiful wine to enjoy alone or with a nice ribeye steak, tri tip or ribs.
This wine made my Best Wines Tasted in 2025 for sure. Only 5% of the 1500-1800 wines tasted during the year make my annual list. Treat yourself to a visit to YoungInglewood Winery as each wine is purposed and handcrafted by artisan winemakers.
Sláinte,
Michael
2022 Selin Cellars Cabernet Franc – Double Gold Winner at SF Chronicle Competition
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First when pouring the wine into the glass, I was caught off guard as to the depth and dark coloring of this Cabernet Franc. It also possessed a very heavy viscosity. That was just the beginning! On the nose, a soft violet fragrance and dark fruit waft upward into the olfactory senses. On the palate a delightful and surprisingly far reaching range of bold blackberry, almost jammy but not sweet, coupled with new soft leather and mild pipe tobacco greeted and coated the mouth. Absent was the pyrazine characteristic often found in Cabernet Franc wine. Another surprise then hit you and it was the tannins and acidity coating the mouth from tooth to tooth to the roof of the mouth. Not typical of a Cabernet Franc to have such griping tannins, but not offensive as they were kept in check with the beautiful caressing fruit. The finish was extremely long lasting with a minerality/earthiness beckoning yet another sip. This Cabernet Franc showed its pedigree as an award-winning wine from popping the cork, to the last sip.
The wine is aged 18 months in a combination of 100% new French and Hungarian barrels. The wine comes in at 14.8% alcohol and one to secure! It made my annual list of Best Wines Tasted for 2025
The Winery and Background
Pete Selin, owner and winemaker of Selin Cellars, had spent many years appreciating and tasting wines from various regions. After retiring from high tech in Silicon Valley he moved to Sonoma Valley. He felt right at home in Sonoma with the boutique, hands-on style of wines. A solid friendship developed with Chris Taddei of Taddei Family Wines and today they consider themselves “brothers”. Chris and Pete work together making wines for both wineries and share a tasting room at 7726 Bell Road in Windsor, California. It is here that Pete and Chris also produce their wines. Selin Cellars was established in 2019. Today Selin Cellars produces about 400 cases annually, Pete will cap out his production at no more than 1,000 cases in the future.
Pete sources his grapes from the following hand selected vineyards:
Cabernet Franc – Burnett Vineyards, Barrie Vineyard, Chalk Hill
Puccini Ranch – Alicante Bouschet, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel
Jenks Vineyard – Chardonnay (along the Russian River)
Sláinte,
Michael
2020 Cuda Ridge Wines Cabernet Franc – A Very Smooth Enjoyable Wine
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
The Cabernet Franc is part of Larry Dino’s (winemaker/owner) Bordeaux Collection. This 2020 Cabernet Franc showed some “old world characteristics” as well as unique Livermore Valley traits.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The coloring of this wine was dark and alluring with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose, blueberry, cherry, and a hint of plum and floral notes abounded. On the palate, this mellow Cabernet Franc tannins were subdued with roundness. In the mouth, the blueberries and dark cherry were prominent along with a modicum of black pepper and sage qualities. Soft leather, a dry rockiness and sweet pipe tobacco lingered to make the finish long lasting and inquisitive. A particularly good wine to drink with food or smooth enough to enjoy by itself. It originally sold for $41/bottle. This wine came in at 14.2% alcohol.
Subsequent Cabernet Franc wines by Cuda Ridge Wines have won Gold and Double Gold awards. Today’s current vintage is 2022 and received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast and sells for $45/bottle.
The Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
There is a lot to be said about Cuda Ridge Wines. A key point is that they produce a full range of Bordeaux style wines. The Cuda Ridge Wines tasting room is located at 2400 Arroyo Road in Livermore, California. Cuda Ridge Wines’ current production is approximately 2100 cases. They produce the following Bordeaux varietals: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and most recently their addition of Carménère. Always experimenting, Larry Dino owner & winemaker has produced non-Bordeaux style wines which are designated under their Black label, these wines include Sangiovese, New-World style Cabernet Sauvignon and others. Each varietal produced are small lots ranging from one hundred to 450 cases. Cuda Ridge does extensive blending of varietals and strives for lower alcohol wines with intense complexity and character, traditional of the Bordeaux style wines.
Sláinte,
Michael
2021 Wautoma Springs Cabernet Franc
The Winery
Photo from and of Wautoma Spring Winery Tasting Room
I have not personally visited the winery but was intrigued by their award prowess and having tasted one of their wines and was impressed. The winey is in southern Washington in Prosser, near the Yakima River in the Columbia Valley. The winery consists of two owners, Jessica Munnell and Tom Merkle. Tom is a second-generation grape grower. He started planting his first vineyard in 1999 with Cabernet Sauvignon exclusively. He has sold his grapes to many of the more reputable wineries in Washington.
Photo from Wautoma Springs Winery
Jessica, a winemaker from Australia had moved to Washington working at Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste Michelle Canoe Ridge, Mercer Wine Estate and Vintage Wine Estates. Her wines were recognized as top quality and awarded locally, nationally and internationally. She spoke with Tom about working together in 2008. Instantly a partnership formed and became Wautoma Wines, producing great Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Wautoma Springs Vineyard. A great team collaboration of vineyard management and winemaking!
Photo from Wautoma Springs Winery
In 2016 they hired Rachel Mercer and opened a tasting room. In 2019 the tasting room in Prosser, WA opened. Since then, an additional tasting room opened in Woodinville. Their tag is line is simple and to the point “our story is in every bottle”.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This Cabernet Franc from the pour and aroma immediately got my attention. Not having tasted it before, the wine announced itself, garnering attention! First on the eyes a rather dark and brooding Cabernet Franc from Washington with medium viscosity. Aromas rose up to greet the senses with spices and red/black fruits. On the palate, juicy ripe plums and raspberries danced gleefully in the mouth. Secondary flavors of blueberries and soft vanilla were present and counterbalanced with herbal notes. On the finish it was very pristine and clean with mellow oak notes and tannins that were present, yet round and soft.
The wine is 14.5% alcohol and aged in 20% new French oak with only 234 cases produced. As previously mentioned, this wine deserved attention. Its awards are astonishing including:
2024 San Francisco Chronicle Competition winning Double Gold
2024 Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge winning Double Gold and 96 points.
The name for this wine “Fork & Spoon” at first took me back. The background on the unique name (which they give to every wine produced), came from their Cabernet Franc being a rich wine with blue fruits and less pyrazines than most Cabernet Franc’s, with rounded tannins, made it a delicious food friendly wine. When trying to think of a name, the idea of food pairing came up and “thought of those meals where you find yourself digging in with a fork and spoon to get every last bite”.
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
Brought this wine to our “Friday Night Wine and Dine” at a local restaurant. Thinking of a pasta dish before arriving, but with a Mahi Mahi special with a mango chutney, I could not pass it up. Accompanied by risotto and fresh vegetables. A bit reluctant to have this wine with the fish and yet it worked reasonably well. Should I get a chance to try this wine again, I will pair it with pork or beef dish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We enjoyed a few other wines this evening which others brought to the dinner from various California AVA’s/districts: Lodi, Paso Robles, Livermore Valley, Santa Ynez Valley and Anderson Valley
Sláinte,
Michael
2012 Lineage Wine and a Christmas Holiday Dinner With Friends
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Aristotle in his writings 2,372 years ago in his book on Metaphysics stated, “in the case of all things which have several parts and in which the totality is not, as it were, a mere heap, but the whole is something besides the parts”. Then Euclid with his mathematics approach from his book Elements, Common Notion, stated “The whole is greater than the part(s)”. So, it is the same with the 2012 Lineage Wine. I will explain in detail below.
The Wine Maker
Steven Kent Mirassou, as a 6th generation family winemaker has set high goals. He set as his pinnacle development to produce the best “Bordeaux style” wine California could produce. A lofty and perhaps extreme goal for one man in Livermore Valley. After many years as a successful winemaker at Steven Kent Winery, he decided to make 3 to 5 barrels a year of the absolute premier “Bordeaux style” wine. We just opened his 2012 vintage, which is the sixth of the Lineage releases. The blend which changes year to year based on flavor profiles, consisted of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon (Clones 30 & 7); 14% Cabernet Franc; 10% Merlot; 4% Petit Verdot.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While blending is an “artistic” endeavor, Steven also is analytical in his pursuit of the perfect Bordeaux blend. Here is Steven’s write-up on why these varietals and clones were chosen. It is like an artist mixing paint colors for the right shading and expression of a painting.
“Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 30: Dark cherry and cassis flavors, fine-grained tannins and acidity. Less opulent but more age worthy than Clone 4.
Cabernet Franc: Not as “big” as CS but with more finesse and an aromatic palate of sandalwood and chocolate. Acidity is the watchword of this variety. Its acid-based red fruit flavors marry well with the darker more tannic Cabernet Sauvignon to enliven and length Lineage’s finish.
Petit Verdot: Contributes tannin, color, and grapey aromas and flavors of violet and black fruit. This variety helps to build density in the mid-palate of the wine.
Merlot: Noble variety of Bordeaux’s Right Bank; as counterpoint to CS’s austere structure, Merlot is fleshy and opulent; ripe red/dark cherry flavor, a touch of herbal complexity which adds to Lineage’s rich mid-palate.”
The key take way on blending is that it is extremely selective and requires rigorous decision making of not only varietals, but the correct Clones of the varietals to get the flavor profile. Add another step of both winemaking and personal craftsmanship and abracadabra you have a gorgeous and refined Bordeaux blend called Lineage. I am sure Steven wished it was that simple, but this is the shortened version.
Two of many other detailed undertakings are his hand selection of French oak barrels (Taransaud, Le Grand and Francois Freres) and his constant monitoring of the development of the wine in the barrel.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
2012 was marked by nearly perfect weather throughout the growing season, and the temperate year produced perfectly ripe and balanced fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon contribution had a significantly larger role by percentage than it did in the previous releases and shows in Lineage and generous structure. Again, Cabernet Franc beautifully serves its role as the contributor of verve, style, and vitality. Merlot provides a great mid-palate roundness while Petit Verdot adds tannin and exotic fruit. The overall feel of Lineage is one of beauty and elegance with a fairly low alcohol level of 13.9%. The suggested maturity of this wine is recommended from 2018 to 2030. The wine was harvested from the Ghielmetti Estate and Home Ranch Vineyards in Livermore Valley. This library wine today from Lineage goes for $245. The current release is 2018 and available for $195. The 2018 was given 97 points immediately by Wine Enthusiast and the 2017 received 100 points from Steve Heimoff.
The flavor profile and experience of this wine is truly remarkable. First on the eye you see a medium to medium-dark red tint and medium viscosity wine. Very different than some of the bolder Cabernet Sauvignon’s coming out of Napa Valley. Your first impression is perhaps this may be a bit light. But hold on until you get your first whiff which reveals “black fruits, exotic woods and spice aromatics”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine was double filtered and decanted for two hours before tasting.
On the palate, you get all the above characteristics that Steven proposed in his selection of varietals and clones to produce a crescendo of semi-sweet mocha, dark cherry, dark roasted coffee, sweet tobacco, violets, black fruit, etc. You are a bit mesmerized in trying to dissect each essential trait in this wine drinking experience. But it is a wine to simply enjoy and savor the existential engagement and relationship of such a rare and eloquent treat.
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
Paired this evening dinner with a dry rubbed seasoned prime rib, mashed potato casserole with bacon, cheddar cheese and topped with parsley, meatballs, mesquite chicken breasts, roasted Brussel sprouts with reduced balsamic vinegar, a scrumptious holiday honey crisp salad with thinly sliced apples, Romaine lettuce, candied pecans, dried cranberries and blue cheese with a fresh apple cider vinaigrette dressing and for dessert a freshly baked carrot cake topped with crushed candied pecans.
An excellent food and wine pairing shared with friends this evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We also enjoyed a few other very good and fun wines with the meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
Inaugural Cabernet Franc Guild of Livermore Valley Tasting For International Cabernet Franc Day
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The Cabernet Franc Guild of Livermore Valley, a group of winemakers, grape growers and hospitality professionals have come together to create an identity for Livermore as a premier AVA for producing Cabernet Franc. Their motto is that Livermore Valley provides a “perfect terroir” to bring to market some of the best Cabernet Franc wines available.
On December 4th, International Cabernet Franc Day, twelve wineries banded together to pour their wines in the lobby of the Bankhead Theater. The event sold out within days of the announcement of the event with 200 attendees! Each wine was delicious and all worthy to qualify for the Guild’s criteria to be accepted.
Below are the participants pouring stations and some with previous written stories on their excellent Cabernet Franc:
Cuda Ridges Wines
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Wood Family Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rosa Fierro Cellars
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2021/01/25/rosa-fierro-cellars-2016-big-daddy-cabernet-franc/
Cellar 13 Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
McGrail Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
L’ Autre Côte / Steven Kent Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Darcie Kent Estate Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Mitchell Katz at Shadow Hills
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Las Positas Vineyards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Occasio Winery
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Rodrigue Molyneaux Estate Winery & Vineyard
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Patty Powers from Livermore Wine Growers Association volunteered as hostess of the event with Larry Dino of Cuda Ridge Wines the Event Chairman.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
A fun evening sipping incredible Cabernet Franc wines and can’t wait until the next event!
Sláinte,
Michael
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