2011 Constant Cabernet Franc Diamond Mountain Vineyard

Even with all of its tannin, it is pretty clear the 2011 Cabernet Franc possesses stunning depth, volume and richness, all just waiting to emerge. Espresso, black cherries, licorice and spices wrap around the palate in an intense wine that changes in the glass every few minutes. Mocha, anise, sweet herbs and dried rose petals develop over time, adding complexity, nuance and intrigue. A huge crescendo of aromatic and flavor intensity accompanies the large-scaled, voluptuous finish. There is a lot to look forward to here.

The 2011 Cabernet Franc may turn out to be even better than the 2010, an anomaly given the differences in these two vintages. It offers juicy, crunchy, black currant and black raspberry fruit intertwined with hints of licorice and spring flowers. Medium-bodied with good acidity and minerality as well as a long finish, this is an impressive 2011. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. This estate, situated high on Diamond Mountain, straddling the Napa and Sonoma county lines, is making a bevy of interesting and potentially long-lived wines. Tel. (707) 942-0707

Good full ruby. Slightly porty aromas of black cherry, bitter chocolate, coffee and nutty oak. Broad, sweet and fairly large-scaled, with rather muscular flavors of dark fruits and chocolate. This fruit appears to have ripened more thoroughly than the cabernet in 2011. The ripe, mounting tannins arrive later, allowing the dark fruit and mineral flavors to open nicely. The most impressively structured of the 2011 samples I tasted from Constant.