Steven Kent Winery
Solid Wine, Great Food But a Poor Wine and Food Pairing!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
My wife found a great recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad. Being that it was 114 degrees today, she cooked the chicken the night before to have a cold salad for dinner. The recipe looked enticing. Traditional food and wine pairing wisdom leans toward a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. We just had a Sauvignon Blanc the night before and my favorite dry Riesling, Smith-Madrone Vineyards, is in a refrigerator locker storage about 30 minutes away. So took the opportunity to try a different approach with a Cabernet Franc Blanc, 2022 L’Autre Côte from Steven Kent Winery. Again, one of my favorite anonymous quotes is “Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you”. Thus, the adventure began albeit not successful.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First, if you are a red Cabernet Franc lover, you will find tasting this wine a mind-challenging experience. For me it certainly was! First on the eyes, it is difficult to visualize and comprehend a Cabernet Franc Blanc! Secondly when smelling it very little of the typical red fruit qualities waft into the senses. Then the first sip, you are startled that this is a Cabernet Franc with little red fruit taste. Now after closing one’s eyes and sipping many times, once you can calm your uncomfortableness, an entirely new world opens.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine on the eyes is a clear elixir with almost “no coloring. On the nose fresh floral fragrances and almond are noted. Once on the palate the magic appears with honeydew melon, white peach, mellow apricot and a sweet grapefruit. The finish provides a definite crispness of citrus notes but still subdued. A very complex finish with a Yin-Yang struggle and contentment of a red Cabernet Franc verses a white Cabernet Franc. In this wine they gracefully co-exist and accentuate the unique flavors of the juice.
Steven Mirassou’s goal for this wine was straightforward “…..I wanted Cab Franc Blanc to be a white, crisp and pure with a flavor profile that makes for a delicious and fascinating wine. And I think that is exactly what we got”.
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
Now the tricky part! The dinner meal was a new recipe called Chinese Chicken Salad containing Chinese cabbage, red cabbage, shredded carrots, scallions and chicken. Garnished with crunchy noodles, green onions and sesame seeds. The Asian dressing combined soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, canola oil, brown sugar, fresh ginger, minced garlic and black pepper. The dressing was mixed in a bowl to be served and if needed additional dressing was available. The dish was fantastic and now a favorite of mine especially during the hot summer.
Now the catch: If we had a dry Riesling it would have with its bright fruit and high acidity balanced soy sauce and sesame oil. Or if a Sauvignon Blanc was served it with its citrus and herbal notes cut through the oily dressing and highlighted the fresh greens and help cut through the fat content of the dressing. The Cabernet Franc Blanc, with its delicate aromas and tastes, was overpowered by the dressing. Finally stopped drinking the wine with dinner and enjoyed it after dinner as picked up the fine delicate and finesse aromas/tastes.
The Winery
Steven Kent Mirassou, providing his traditional award-winning style and experience from his Cabernet Sauvignon and red Cabernet Franc’s wines embarked a couple of years back on this new journey with this release coming out initially in March 2023. Since then, he was won many prestigious awards for his Cabernet Franc Blanc, L’Autre Côte.
Here is just one past link to his red Cabernet Franc winning Best of Class:
Venturing into this new “blanc” wine is something he has been contemplating for some time and in 2022 set out to provide his take with a white Cabernet Franc. The goal to get the fruit to the winery immediately and to get it pressed. Fast, gentle whole cluster press and no soaking. Put into the fermenter at 49 degrees it took almost a month to bring the wine to a completely dry quality.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Steven Kent Mirassou – Focused Vision for Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Steven, winemaker and owner of Steven Kent Winery, along with his wife Beth has had a focus for many years on raising the bar for Livermore Valley wines. He has for the last two decades focused on wanting Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to be on even par with Napa Valley. He has successfully launched his Lineage label achieving a score of 100 points and is considered one, if not the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced in Livermore Valley.
While he continues his quest with Cabernet Sauvignon, he has always had a spotlight on Cabernet Franc. More recently with his launch of L’Autre Côte and CabFranc-A-Palooza he has turned up the focus for Cabernet Franc. Not only for his winery, but on various boards of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers, he has established key marks for quality excellence for wineries. Today sixteen wineries are part of this group.
Steven feels that Cabernet Franc is “truly magical” due to the “purity of fruit, balance of acidity and overt sexiness”. His goal is to showcase these traits with different ageing vessels, vineyards and blending.
Cabernet Franc
Steven’s history with this grape goes back many years and more recently his laser focus on the varietal has been rewarding. For the last few years at the International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition his record is unmatched. Here is just a partial listing of his recent awards against many of the best Cabernet Franc wines in the world:
2026
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In the California category $111 and up: Gold and Best of Category; California Overall Category – Best of Show by the Professional Judges for 2023 L’Autre Cote. They also won Grand Sweepstakes of the entire competition from the Professional Judges.
2025
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In the California category $100 and up: People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal and Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal. Also, Best of Category and Best of Show for California by People’s Choice Judges for the 2022 L’Autre Cote.
Steven’s Cabernet Franc wines have always scored amongst the best year after year with wines coming from all over the state of California, the rest of the United States and against various countries. No small feat!
Photo from Steven Kent Winery
His L’Autre Cote is and will remain the flagship Cabernet Franc, but he is now working diligently to capture the mid and lower tier markets, introducing Cabernet Franc as the premier grape of choice for consumers. His Cab Franc Blanc and Rock labels by Steven Kent Winery have increased production exponentially, gathering momentum at the wine club and commercially at retail outlets like Costco. Having a dual approach DTC and a commercial outlet will allow him to continue to raise the bar for Steven Kent Winery and Livermore Valley.
Steven introduced his “Elements” line up a few years ago. Using the same grapes and exploring the effect of unique ageing methods in different vessels. Each are aged 12 months. They are called Rock, Cab Franc aged in concrete vats, Wood aged in barrel, Steel aged in stainless steel tanks and Elements a blend of the three wines. By using different methods, he allows each to provide key influences on the wine.
In addition to different vessel aging, he also has broadened his vineyard selection. Today, he offers a 2022 Cabernet Franc from the Santa Cruz Mountains, one from Ghielmetti Vineyard, and one from Sachau Vineyard both in Livermore Valley. He has worked with each vineyard for years and has a detailed and in depth understanding of the grape production from selected vines throughout the vineyards.
His 2023 L’Autre Cote besides being Cab Franc dominant, is striving for a Right Bank character of St Emilion with 10% Merlot and 5% being Cabernet Sauvignon.
Changes Coming
It was announced that Steven Kent Winery is moving back to the historic Home Ranch Vineyard on Tesla Road in the fall of 2026. They will have separate tasting room on the property where Shanti Winery is now located.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In July sat down with Steven and Beth at their current facility on South Vasco Road and tasted some of the wines previously discussed. We also tasted one of the most exquisite wines, the 2004 Home Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2023 Premier. The 2023 Premier is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 60% coming from Ghielmetti clone 30 and 40% Home Ranch clone 7. It was aged in 80% in new French oak for 24 months. This is truly a phenomenal wine with only 118 cases produced.
Concluding a two-hour discussion ranging from Livermore’s quest to be on the world stage with Cabernet Franc & Sauvignon Blanc as their “go to” wines of distinction, holding wineries accountable for quality, the wine industry market in general, attracting the next generations of wine drinkers, etc., the conversation could have lasted for many more hours! Between insights, laughter and serious dialogue we both had to call the meeting to end. Until our next discussion.
In the meantime, should you wish to acquire some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines, you know where to find them.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Steven Kent Mirassou – Focused Vision for Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
Steven, winemaker and owner of Steven Kent Winery, along with his wife Beth has had a focus for many years on raising the bar for Livermore Valley wines. He has for the last two decades focused on wanting Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon to be on even par with Napa Valley. He has successfully launched his Lineage label achieving a score of 100 points and is considered one, if not the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines produced in Livermore Valley.
While he continues his quest with Cabernet Sauvignon, he has always had a spotlight on Cabernet Franc. More recently with his launch of L’Autre Côte and CabFranc-A-Palooza he has turned up the focus for Cabernet Franc. Not only for his winery, but on various boards of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, he has established key marks for quality excellence for wineries. Today sixteen wineries are part of this group.
Steven feels that Cabernet Franc is “truly magical” due to the “purity of fruit, balance of acidity and overt sexiness”. His goal is to showcase these traits with different ageing vessels, vineyards and blending.
Cabernet Franc
Steven’s history with this grape goes back many years and more recently his laser focus on the varietal has been rewarding. For the last few years at the International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition his record is unmatched. Here is just a partial listing of his recent awards against many of the best Cabernet Franc wines in the world:
2026
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In the California category $111 and up: Gold and Best of Category; California Overall Category – Best of Show by the Professional Judges for 2023 L’Autre Côte. They also won Grand Sweepstakes of the entire competition from the Professional Judges.
2025
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In the California category $100 and up: People’s Choice Judges – Double Gold Medal and Professional Judges – Double Gold Medal. Also, Best of Category and Best of Show for California by People’s Choice Judges for the 2022 L’Autre Côte.
Steven’s Cabernet Franc wines have always scored amongst the best year after year with wines coming from all over the state of California, the rest of the United States and against various countries. No small feat!
Photo from Steven Kent Winery
His L’Autre Côte is and will remain the flagship Cabernet Franc, but he is now working diligently to capture the mid and lower tier markets, introducing Cabernet Franc as the premier grape of choice for consumers. His Cab Franc Blanc and Rock labels by Steven Kent Winery have increased production exponentially, gathering momentum at the wine club and commercially at retail outlets like Costco. Having a dual approach DTC and a commercial outlet will allow him to continue to raise the bar for Steven Kent Winery and Livermore Valley.
Steven introduced his “Elements” line up a few years ago. Using the same grapes and exploring the effect of unique ageing methods in different vessels. Each are aged 12 months. They are called Rock, Cab Franc aged in concrete vats, Wood aged in barrel, Steel aged in stainless steel tanks and Elements a blend of the three wines. By using different methods, he allows each to provide key influences on the wine.
In addition to different vessel aging, he also has broadened his vineyard selection. Today, he offers a 2022 Cabernet Franc from the Santa Cruz Mountains, one from Ghielmetti Vineyard, and one from Sachau Vineyard both in Livermore Valley. He has worked with each vineyard for years and has a detailed and in depth understanding of the grape production from selected vines throughout the vineyards.
His 2023 L’Autre Côte besides being Cab Franc dominant, is striving for a Right Bank character of St Emilion with 10% Merlot and 5% being Cabernet Sauvignon.
Changes Coming
It was announced that Steven Kent Winery is moving back to the historic Home Ranch Vineyard on Tesla Road in the fall of 2026. They will have separate tasting room on the property where Shanti Winery is now located.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
In July sat down with Steven and Beth at their current facility on South Vasco Road and tasted some of the wines previously discussed. We also tasted one of the most exquisite wines, the 2004 Home Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2023 Premier. The 2023 Premier is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with 60% coming from Ghielmetti clone 30 and 40% Home Ranch clone 7. It was aged in 80% in new French oak for 24 months. This is truly a phenomenal wine with only 118 cases produced.
Concluding a two-hour discussion ranging from Livermore’s quest to be on the world stage with Cabernet Franc & Sauvignon Blanc as their “go to” wines of distinction, holding wineries accountable for quality, the wine industry market in general, attracting the next generations of wine drinkers, etc., the conversation could have lasted for many more hours! Between insights, laughter and serious insights we both had to call the meeting to end. Until our next discussion.
In the meantime, should you wish to acquire some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines, you know where to find them.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
2023 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc, a Winning Wine Fit for a King
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background on L’Autre Côte, Steven Kent Mirassou and 7th Annual International Cabernet Franc Competition
Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the 7th 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
2018 L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc – Matured to Perfection!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We enjoyed this wine at our Friday Night Wine & Dine dinner the other night with a few friends.
Background on L’Autre Côte and Steven Kent Mirassou
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 newest 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. Since that article was written ( https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/09/11/2018-lautre-cote-cabernet-franc-one-of-the-best-cabernet-francs-available/ ) he has received 96 points for his Ghielmetti Vineyard and 94 points for his Sachau Vineyard Cabernet Franc wine. Remember this was his inaugural release. He was just awarded 95 points from Wine Enthusiast for his 2018. 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 2018 L’Autre Côte continued with using two designated vineyard Cabernet Franc wines, but this year he combined the two together as it produced a higher quality Cabernet Franc. 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 – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Ghielmetti and Sachau Vineyards have been a long-time source for Steven’s wine be it Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. The one block at Ghielmetti of Cabernet Franc Clone 332 is 3.7 acres in size. Sachau vineyard is six acres in size with a loamy soil. The 50/50 combination of the two (each aged separately) then, with 4% Cabernet Sauvignon added provided the best of both vineyards. On the eyes, a bright and dark reddish/purple coloring, with medium viscosity. On the nose a very fruit forward aroma of raspberry and blackberry fruits. On the palate, besides the fruit bursting with excitement, you are rewarded with chocolate, jasmine tea and minerality. The finish provides rounded and defined tannins without overt edges, giving one a silky landing. The finish is mid-lasting with a tinge of fruit sweetness, yet with subtle pyrazines in play. Using once used French barrels, this wine does not have a dominance of oak but rather allows the fruit to be showcased. The current vintage is 2022 and is listed at $125/bottle.
What is unique about this award-winning wine is its maturity over seven years to being elegant with complex levels of structure and yet silky smooth.
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
Had beautifully prepared Bruschetta as an appetizer with sliced toasted garlic bread, tomato, basil, garlic and drizzled with olive oil. The wine was paired beautifully with this appetizer.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Next up was a light entrée of four Italian braised meatballs with tomato, white wine, basil and fresh parmesan shavings. The wine and food pairing was once again spot on wonderful with this dish.
The group enjoyed sharing various other wines brought to dinner this evening.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While this 2018 has absolutely matured to perfection, Steven and Beth Mirassou will be having some new and even more exciting Cabernet Franc wines coming out shortly! Read a previously published article: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2025/07/22/a-tasting-experience-and-conversation-with-steven-mirassou-at-steven-kent-winery/
Stay tuned……
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
A Tasting Experience and Conversation with Steven Mirassou at Steven Kent Winery
Photo from Steven Kent Mirassou
A week ago, I had an opportunity to sit with Steven Mirassou to recount the years of friendship and examine Cabernet Franc for the future, especially for Livermore Valley. This was the day after the Livermore CabFranc Fest where we briefly spoke along with Beth Mirassou.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The conversation was intriguing and revealing about some of the new directions of the winery. We started the conversations in his words “zealous quest” to produce the best Cabernet Sauvignon in California. While still committed to making one of the best in California, he has quietly conceded to Napa Valley. His Lineage offering is superb and has gained both national and international recognition, a premier Cabernet Sauvignon. While discussing his time, energy and effort in this quest, I think he has put this on the back burner rather than fully acquiesce to another region! Mirassou stated that while he loves Lineage and the other Cabernet Sauvignon based wines, he continues to make and feels compelled to showcase the variety that he loves the most and which has the greatest potential to deliver to the Livermore Valley the attention he believes it desereves.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Steven’s interest, rather I should say, his rabid obsession with Cabernet Franc, has always been present in the almost thirty years we have known each other. At Steven Kent Winery, he always made a standalone Cabernet Franc. In fact, while producing many of his Cabernet Sauvignon varietals, he often included a smidgen of Cabernet Franc to augment the flavor profile stating “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 lengthen Lineage’s finish”. Each varietal in a Bordeaux style blend brings its own unique quality and character. As 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)”. You can read the entire story of Lineage Wines at: https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2022/12/29/2012-lineage-the-aristotelian-euclidian-connection/
After fully considering and realizing the full potential of Livermore Valley, Cabernet Franc is now at the forefront of this passion. It started a few years back with the introduction of L’Autre Côte offering. It started out as a single offering (etched bottle) and has quickly morphed with many others.
The first one being his etched bottle which made the wine community stand up and take notice. At the 2022 International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition with his first entry with L’Autre Côte, he came away from both sets of judges (Professional & People’s Choice) with the prestigious Best of Class award. This was the only wine entered from all five categories to receive this double acclaim.
More recently he presented a provocative idea of Cabernet Franc. He offered the same harvested grapes fermented in three different vessels and aptly named them accordingly: Steel, Wood and Rock. The Steel aging the juice in stainless steel, Wood aging it in French oak barrels and Rock in concrete receptacle. While talking we tasted the Steel which was surprisingly “zingy and acid driven”. We then tasted a blend of all three, called the Elements. This then spent a year in bottle. The Elements produced a rounded and a full mouthfeel experience. The 2023 Cabernet Franc Elements blend, which was released in November 2024, was one of the favorite wines tasted of the various vessels. A few cases are still are available in the Steven Kent Tasting Room or on-line. It provided a beautiful contrast with a Yin-Yang of smoked paprika/sage in one direction and in the other a bell peppers (light pyrazines)/tomato characteristics. Key was the tannin momentum throughout the tasting exercise from first sip to the finish.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
One other new consideration for Steven is that this lineup is slated for the wholesale/retail market. While in the past his Lineage line was about a higher end market aimed at connoisseurs and wine aficionados, his quest is to spread Cabernet far and wide within a moderate price range.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We discussed various aspects of Cabernet Franc from his CabFranc-A-Palooza to my International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition and how the world is now ready for Cabernet Franc to be one of the dominant varietals in the market. Both of us have written extensively about why and how Cabernet Franc is deserving of this recognition as a grape that can grow in a variety of climates and produce varying results to augment and show the versatility in food pairings with Cabernet Franc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Steven had thieved some barrel samples into lab bottles. Here is where Steven introduced a new direction with his Cabernet Franc. Having been familiar with Steven’s Cab Franc offerings, this was the demarcation of this afternoon’s conversation. The first lab sample was from a new vineyard called Morgensen clone 214, one of the dominant clones planted in the Loire Valley. This wine while absolutely delicious showed a decided turn from Steven’s normal lighter French style of Cabernet Franc. This was the darkest of the three and when in the mouth, was “chewy and bold” and figuratively slapped you in the face to pay attention to its structure and layers of uniqueness. This was aged in a 500L puncheon for 1 year. He only made three barrels, and I was only halfway kidding, asked that he ship one of the barrels to my house—it was of another level of quality and hit my bullseye target profile for Cabernet Franc. This was picked from the vineyard on Oct 3rd. Steven felt this was of such a higher quality that a percentage will go into the premier L’Autre Côte Cabernet Franc production. This “new vineyard” will produce some of the best Cabernet Franc I have tasted and can hardly wait for it to be released.
The second lab tasted was aged in 225-liter barrique that produced a mellower characteristic Cab Franc but still had noticeable tannins and acidity in the mid-palate. This was picked from the vineyard on Oct 17th.
The third lab sample tasted was clone 332 and also picked Oct 17th.
The last wine tasted was the 2022 Ghielmetti clone 332 single vineyard series that will be released in September of 2025.
Towards the end of our conversations, we circled back on the various forms of Cabernet Franc being produced. I mentioned the wines entering the International Cabernet Franc Competition this year in Copperopolis for the “Specialty Division” from Sparkling Blanc to Appassimento versions. Also discussed the Professional Judges Grand Sweepstakes winning wine from Yates Family and their 140-year-old Roman press (not in use, but in their winery/house) and a Cab Franc from Creekside Cellars from Colorado that won the People’s Choice Grand Sweepstakes, grown at 5,000 feet elevation. On my next visit to Livermore, I will bring a couple of these unique wines to taste with Steven.
**************
Photos ©Michael Kelly
For reference, Steven’s 2022 L’Autre Côte won Double Gold and Best of Class ($106 and up) from both the Professional Judges and People’s Choice Judges at the 2025 International Cabernet Franc Competition.
While the tasting of the various wines was so very enjoyable, perhaps the conversation, insights and intense laughter on many wide-ranging subjects was even of a higher quality. The Cabernet Franc varietal is in solid hands for the future with Steven. Looking forward to our next visit.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
Livermore Valley CabFranc Fest
On Saturday and Sunday July 12th and 13th, the members of the Cab Franc Guild in Livermore held the CabFranc Fest. The wineries that participated were:
Cuda Ridge Wines
Darcie Kent
Fenestra Winery
Las Positas Vineyards
McGrail Vineyards and Winery
Mitchell Katz Winery
Rodrigue Molyneaux
Wood Family Vineyards
And Vasco Row Wineries:
Occasio, Rosa Fierro Cellars, and The Steven Kent Winery
Each winery featured their Cabernet Franc wines and several others. For Cabernet Franc Fest, some held special events comparing and contrasting various vintages or fermentation techniques, barrel/stainless steel or concrete egg treatment, etc. Some of the wineries provided music and had food trucks available for delicious pairings with the Cabernet Franc wines.
The first stop was at Cuda Ridge Wines with Larry & Margie Dino hosting and pouring not only their award winning Cabernet Franc wines but another four or five special wines. Below are the 2022 and 2023 vintages with pizza pairings.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Larry also provided a taste of his 2022 Merlot which recently was cited by Wine Enthusiast as being one of the 13 most highly rated Merlot wines in the world! The article listed Merlot wines from Bordeaux, Tuscany, California and Washington.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
After an hour’s visit we were off to the next winery on the list.
First up was Rosa Fierro Cellars where Rosie was pouring both her 2020 and 2021 “Big Daddy” Cabernet Franc wines from White Cat Vineyard. Both wines were delicious and yet different. The 2020 provided more red fruit (raspberries) and the 2021 was extremely smooth with blackberries. Same vineyard and different years!
Photo ©Michael Kelly
With the Acoustic Frequency band playing in the background this was a perfectly “chill wine” to taste even on a warm day. Also who wouldn’t want to taste a winning wine produced by the talented and smiling Rosie?
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then walked over to Steven Kent Winery, basically in the same courtyard with the music, and tasted their award winning Cabernet Franc. Picked up the food pairing two different kinds of tacos by Carnitas Aguirre to enjoy with the Cabernet Franc wines by Steven Kent Winery. Steven and Beth Mirassou were happily pouring and discussing their wines, one being a Blanc and a red Cabernet Franc wines.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
We then walked back to Wood Family Vineyards where they were showcasing their Cabernet Franc wines and many more. The wines being offered included the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, 2023 “Para Mas Amigas” Chardonnay, 2022 Cabernet Franc, 2022 Culmination Cabernet Franc, 2022 “The Captain” a red blend and 2022 “El Loco Rojo” red blend. Charcuterie boards were also available. Their 2022 Culmination is a wine to be sought after for spectacular aromas and flavor.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
While at the Wood Family tasting room, in the back barrel room, their recently added Sensory and Aroma Class was about to begin. It is held for a small intimate group of customers who wish to expand their awareness and knowledge, led by the engaging and fun couple of Rob and Julie Diestler. Some 40+ fruits, vegetables, oils, fragrances, herbs, etc., are sealed in a glass container and each participant gets to smell the aroma. Then the Wood Family wines are poured and they ferret out the aromas that each wine presents. If you have not experienced something like this, it is worth signing up for as you will discover some unique ways in which to describe what you are tasting. They keep the groups small to foster communications amongst themselves and with the instructors.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Truly an excellent opportunity to taste exquisite Cabernet Franc wines, taste a few tidbits and talk with the winemakers. Put it on your calendar for next year!!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.rosafierrocellars.com