2020 TREFETHEN Cabernet Franc Estate Napa Valley

TREFETHEN Cabernet Franc Estate Napa Valley

¥9,460 (incl. tax)

Very Low Stock

Even though Cabernet Franc features in Cheval Blanc, the Premier Grand Cru Classé from St. Emilion, most people know it as one of the components of the Bordeaux blend - if they know it at all. Outside of the Loire region of France, it is rarely bottled as a varietal wine. However, this early-ripener thrives in the cool climate of the Oak Knoll District. Because their Cab Franc produces a wine with exceptional structure, delicious red fruit, and enticing earthiness, Trefethen believes it deserves top billing. If you are looking for an elegant and versatile red with somewhat lower alcohol (13.5%) than the typical Napa Cab, then give this a try. For food, think dry cheeses, lean or cured meats, and earthy veggies like squash, mushrooms, and onions. 

Winery


Winery Description

A family-owned producer of distinguished estate wines for over 50 years, Trefethen Family Vineyards has always been guided by a unique dedication to sustainable farming, thoughtful winemaking and gracious hospitality. The majority of Trefethen’s nearly 600 acres are found on the Main Ranch Vineyard, located in Oak Knoll – about midway between Yountville and Napa – a cooler district in the southern half of the Napa Valley. The other property is the Hillspring Vineyard, on the low foothills of the mountains just to west of Oak Knoll. Trefethen produces mainly Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Riesling. However, it farms a total of nine grape varieties, the others being Malbec, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Pinot Noir. (The other varieties are either used for blending, released in special bottlings or sold to other wineries).  

Eugene Trefethen, an engineering company executive, purchased the historic, but run-down property in 1968 as a post-retirement hobby. When his son, John, suggested replanting the vineyards and founding an estate winery, the idea was considered foolhardy at best. Back then, the Napa Valley was an isolated community with more prune and walnut orchards than vineyards, and only 20 wineries were in existence. But the estate happened to feature a standing winery building from an earlier era, which added credence to the idea that wine would be both history and future. As it turned out, John and his wife, Janet, caught the new Napa winemaking wave, and their energy propelled Trefethen Family Vineyards into becoming one of the top new wineries of the 1970s. Indeed, in 1979 the 1976 Trefethen Chardonnay was declared “The Best Chardonnay in the World” at the Gault Millau Wine Olympics held in Paris.

Since the mid-2000s, the third generation of Trefethens, John and Janet’s children, Hailey and Lorenzo, have taken charge. 50 years has given this family an intimate understanding of their vineyards, from the soils and microclimates of the various blocks to the varietals, the clones and the rootstock. With this knowledge, they can continue to create new blends and reserve wines made from superior blocks of the very best vines and build on a legacy of estate grown wines of remarkable quality and integrity. 

About this Wine


Country USA
Region California
Appellation(s) Napa Valley
Sub-Ava Oak Knoll District
Winery Trefethen
Vintage 2020
Color Red
Varietal(s) Cabernet Franc
Closure Cork
Volume 750ml
Bottle Size 8.0 x 30.5
Case Size 32.5 x 25.0 x 31.5
Alcohol 13.5%
Product Code TR20NCF
UPC 013024870016

Owning & Enjoying


Tasting notes

93 points – Decanter. 

An enticing nose of fresh red fruits, violets, and forest floor leads to expressive cherry and raspberry and notes of fresh herbs. A standout wine for its lively flavor, structure, and a finish that won’t quit.

Production


Vinification

Fermented stainless steel and aged 18 months in 100% neutral oak.

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