2016 Bismark Cabernet Franc 750ml

Vineyard: Our Bismark Mountain Ranch is in the Moon Mountain District Sonoma County appellation, high above the city of Sonoma and San Pablo Bay. Here on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains we grow eight acres of Malbec on terraces that follow the contours of the northwestern side of the ranch. We began planting in 1991 and continue to fine tune our mix of cultivars to this day. This is steep ground; shared with Creosote bush, Grey pine, coyote and mountain lion. Topographically it is similar to the Douro. Windy, sun drenched yet moderate in temperature, Bismark grudgingly produces grapes with an intense, deeply concentrated flavor. Bismark’s unique terroir is both fierce and alluring. 

Vintage 2016: Following adequate winter rains, the 2016 growing season began early again as the trend toward warmer winters continues. There was almost no frost pressure and the season progressed without significant weather worries. A single heat spike in July was short lived. This was followed by a glorious, easy ripening August and September that allowed the grapes to hang until late September. The grapes for the Bismark Mountain Cab Franc were harvested on September 26-29, 2016, at an average of 27.8o Brix.

Winemaking: Our 2016 Bismark Cab Franc was sorted, destemmed and crushed to tank. The grapes arrived warm, promoting early color extraction, and prompting early inoculation. The wine was pressed sweet, finished fermentation in tank, before a mid-October barreling. Ageing was sur lie in a combination of 22% new Hungarian and 43% new French Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes:  Our Cabernet Franc is  Ruby hued , with aromas of sage, dried cherries and hints of Yerba Santa carbon,  and lightly roasted coffee.  Flavors are of blueberry , cherry and mint with a touch of coconut. Texturally it is  supple, low tannin  and plump.( Tasted 7-19-18)

Variety: 76% Cabernet Franc, 20% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard Location: Bismark Mountain blocks 10 Cab Franc, 26 Malbec, 3 Cab Sauv. Moon Mountain District Sonoma County

Age of Vines: 23 years

Alcohol: 15.0%

pH: 4.0

Titratable Acidity (TA): 0.47 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar: 0.2%

Avg. Brix at Harvest: 27.8o

Length/Type of Aging: 21 months in barrel.

Oak Types: 65% New French and Hungarian Oak coopered by Boutes and Trust

Bottling Date: August 9, 2018

Number of Cases: 94

 

Vegetarian