2021 SLV Cabernet Franc

ABOUT SLV CABERNET FRANC

Winemaker Marcus Notaro removed the small amount of Merlot that was planted at S.L.V. and replaced it with Cabernet Franc. A big fan of Cabernet Franc, Marcus knew that it would thrive in this vineyard.

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

S.L.V., also known as Stag's Leap Vineyards, is the winery's first vineyard. Planted in 1970, it gained international fame when the first crop from three-year-old vines in the 1973 harvest produced a wine that amazed the wine world. In a 1976 blind tasting known as the "Judgment of Paris," this wine outperformed some of France's greatest wines. Today, this historic vineyard continues to produce wines that are complex, and well-structured, ensuring they have the potential for long aging.

VINTAGE

The 2021 growing season will be remembered for being the second consecutive year of very dry conditions during winter and spring and for challenging weather during bloom and heat, cold, wind, and rain during flowering. This resulted in a reduction in yield and more variability on the clusters themselves. We had classic Napa Valley weather during the heart of the growing season with moderate temperatures and cool sea breezes in the afternoon and evening all summer. Early September saw a mini heat wave that pushed ripeness along, then a return to beautiful weather for the remainder of harvest. Berries were a little smaller than usual with loose clusters. Overall, the 2021 vintage was fantastic for quality and will be regarded as a benchmark year for Napa Valley.

TASTING NOTES

The 2021 S.L.V. Cabernet Franc presents enticing aromas of boysenberry, graphite, blueberry, pipe tobacco, and floral spices. It has a rich, savory texture with a refreshing brightness on the palate, fine-grained tannins, and notes of dark chocolate and cedar spice.