2008 Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley

PRODUCTION NOTES
Sourced from Holbrook Mitchell's vineyard the grapes were received on the morning of October 3, 2008. At the winery, the fruit was immediately sorted and then crushed into macro bins. The resulting must included about 15% whole berries and was allowed to cold soak for five days. Following the cold soak, the bins were allowed to warm up and inoculated with 2 different yeast strains (D80 and BM4x4). Throughout the extraction period the fermentation caps were gently punched down four times daily to re-engage skin-to-juice contact. Pressed at dryness, the wine was racked to barrel for aging. 

WINEMAKER COMMENTS
Holbrook Mitchell's beautiful mountainside vineyard is located just south west of Yountville in on the eastern slope of the Mayacamas Mountains. Officially part of the Yountville appellation, the vineyard was planted in 1982 on rocky volcanic soils. Our blocks are at the highest elevation of the vineyard and seldom yield more than 1.5 tons per acre of perfectly ripe fruit.

This wine is brimming with fruit as upfront notes of plum and cassis mingle with classic nuances of tobacco leaf, green olive and dusty truffles. Richly textured, the finish is extremely long.

Appellation - Napa Valley
Composition - 100% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol - 15.3%
pH - 3.95
TA - 0.62g/100ml
Barrels - 70% French oak (30% New), 30% American oak 
Cases Produced - 119 Cases
Release Date - April 24, 2010