The Vineyard House 2021 Crabb’s Black Burgundy Block 5 Cabernet Franc

Hermosa Vineyard Oakville Napa Valley
Enjoyabilityfactor 99 Rating
The Cabernet Franc Crabb’s Black Burgundy Block 5 comes from the Hermosa Vineyard and a block that sits immediately adjacent to Harlan Estate. The 2021 The Vineyard House Cabernet Franc, Block 5 is a blend of 87% Cabernet Franc and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is deep ruby and opaque; the bouquet is elegant with its florals perhaps dominating the fruits including of African violets and rose petals, accompanied by notes of raspberry jam, red plums and boysenberry. This is a riper expression of the variety but still offers plenty of varietal characteristics. On the palate there are darker fruited flavors including boysenberry jam, blackberry, dark plum and Persian mulberry. The tannins offer a firm and long-term tug, broadly coating with a persistent grainy, gravelly and dusty/chalky character. And there are some baking spice influences including cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Of all their bottlings, their Cabernet Franc perhaps pairs best with spicy food. Winemakers: Philippe Melka & Maayan Koschitzky.