2016 Rapszodia Proprietary Red

The 2016 Rapszodia (100% Cabernet Franc) is super-expressive, especially in its aromatics. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, mint and blood orange all run through the 2016. Time in barrel has softened some of the rougher edges the 2016 showed in barrel. In 2016, Rapszodia is built on energy and persistence rather than size. Then again, these wines have always been about elegance more than power. (AG)

One-hundred percent Cabernet Franc aged in 91% new oak, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Rapszodia has a stunning perfume of red roses, black cherries, black raspberries and unsmoked cigars with nuances of cinnamon stick, pencil shavings and menthol. The palate is medium-bodied with fantastic mid-palate density and firm, ripe, finely grained tannins, finishing with loads of minerality and zip. 250 cases produced.

The 2016 Rapszodia, once again 100% Cabernet Franc, is quite raw and undeveloped, and yet also super-intriguing, Then again, that is part of the undeniable appeal of pure Franc wines. It will be interesting to see if the 2016 puts on more weight as it finishes its aging in barrel. In the past, this has been a much more energetic and thrilling wine at this point of its development. Reddish-toned fruits and a host of more floral/savory notes are some of the classic Franc inflections found in the Rapszodia.