2018 Chappellet Cabernet Franc Pritchard Hill

The 2018 Cabernet Franc is a potent, heady wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, crème de cassis, spice and chocolate are all laced together in the glass. I would give the 2018 a few years in bottle to shed some of its baby fat.

The 2018 Cabernet Franc is a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec. It was aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. The alcohol weighed in at 14.5%. Deep garnet-purple in color, bright, cheery red and black fruit notes of red currant jelly, blackberry pie, Morello cherries and boysenberries spring from the glass, followed by nuances of pencil shavings, red roses, raspberry leaves and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate displays compelling purity, featuring bags of crunchy black berry flavors and ripe, finely grained tannins to support, finishing with a lively skip in its step.

What a luscious, succulent cabernet franc with blue fruit, chocolate and some hazelnut and walnut undertones. It’s full and layered with a round, creamy-tannin texture that gives form and texture to the wine. Drink or hold.