This is a big, elaborate wine, the kind that feels lush and important in the mouth, and it fills a vital niche in the Napa lineup. Based on Cabernet Franc, which is the winery’s specialty, it’s lighter and more elegant than a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, and the fruit veers toward cherries, not black currants. It’s extraordinarily rich, and grows more interesting as it…
— S.H.
(10/1/2010)
This designation is the winery’s reserve bottling. Winemaker John Skupny has the cellar in mind, to judge from the sandpapery tannins. Still, there’s a delicate lightness, a red cherried, cranberry flavor underneath that offers immediate appeal yet has the capacity to age for 10 years.
— S.H.
(12/31/2006)
Where Lang & Reed’s ’03 Cab Franc is elegant and light-bodied, this is fuller and more complex, although it has nowhere near the weight of a Cabernet Sauvignon. The silky texture carries flavors of cherries, tobacco, sweet kid leather and thyme. Enjoy this dry, slightly tannic wine with grilled veal chops in a wine reduction sauce with mushrooms.
— S.H.
(12/15/2005)
Shows the tannic dryness of an ageable Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, but the flavors are pure Cab Franc. Cherries, red currants and cherry liqueur star in a medium-bodied wine with the silkiness of Pinot Noir. Elegant and sophisticated. Drink now–2012.
— S.H.
(11/1/2009)
An interesting wine that’s instantly likeable, but has extra levels that lift it into real complexity. Red cherry fruit dominates, with intricate spice, herb, mineral and cured meat umami notes. The tannins are refined. Best now–2013.
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
A very rich, soft, complex wine, twice the size of L&R’s regular 07 Cab Franc. Just oozes sweet, ripe mashed cherry fruit flavors, sweetened with brown sugar and sprinkled with cinnamon, ground roasted pecans and vanilla. The name refers to the clone number. Drink now.
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
Delicious and quirky, this wine has a cherried richness and the weight of a fine Chinon, but the silky gentleness of a light, pleasant Beaujolais. It’s really a likeable wine, and there’s nothing quite like it in California.
— S.H.
(11/1/2006)
This is a softly appealing single-vineyard wine to drink now. It shows fine Napa Valley structure, with gentle tannins and cleansing acidity framing cherry, sandalwood and sweet tobacco flavors. With such elegance, it will be a fine partner to steak.
— S.H.
(6/1/2012)