2018 Bismark Cabernet Franc 750ml (WC Exclusive)

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 six acres of Cab Franc in two rugged terraced ridge-top blocks. 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 2018: Adequate rainfall, no frost pressure and mild spring temperatures was a great start to the vintage. This continued with a temperate summer and early fall. October 1st rain provided some drama, but it dried quickly enough to be a blessing for everything but Chardonnay. Warm sunny days followed the rain, continuing the long even ripening, with harvest days continuing into November. The grapes for the Bismark Mountain Cab Franc were harvested on September 27, 2018, at an average of 29o Brix.

Winemaking: Our 2018 Bismark Cabernet Franc was hand harvested at sunrise and arrived at the winery mid-morning. The grapes were sorted, destemmed, and crushed to tank, and cold soaked for six days before inoculation. The wine was pressed sweet and finished fermentation in tank, before a November barreling. Ageing was sur lie for 26 months in a combination of 33% new Hungarian and 17% new French Oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: Our 2018 is baked brick with a hint of purple. Complex aromas of Sonoma sage, tobacco, fennel, cocoa nibs, blueberry, and ginger pastry delighted the tasting panel. By mouth it is succulent and low tannin, with flavors of Goji berries, date, pistachio brittle, white pepper, Kirsch, raspberry and a hint of nori like umami. (Tasted 5-19-22)

Variety
91% Cabernet Franc 3% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot

Vineyard Location
Bismark Mountain blocks 23 Cab Franc, 26 Malbec, 6 Cab Sauv. Moon Mountain District Sonoma County

Age of Vines
25 years

Alcohol
14.8%

pH
3.96

Titratable Acidity (TA)
0.5 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar
0.2%

Avg. Brix at Harvest 29o

Length/Type of Aging
26 months in barrel.

Oak Types
50% new French and Hungarian Oak coopered by Trust and Boutes

Bottling Date: February 23, 2021

Number of Cases 132

Vegan