2021 T. Berkley Cabernet Franc Horizontal

“Very aromatic, showing violets, rose petals and potpourri, this wine is saturated with dark fruit flavors and rather generous tannins for a full, grippy mouthfeel. Floral, clove and black tea notes add welcome complexity. (JG)” (04/2024)

“The 2021 Cabernet Franc Big Ranch Vineyard, from a site in Oak Knoll, is the most "Franc-like" of the wines in this range. Its mid-weight structure and strong aromatic signatures are front and center. Sage, mint, spice, white pepper and bright red-toned fruit abound. The tannins are a bit nervy, but then again, this is Franc. (AG)” (12/2023)

“Bright red fruits with peppery green notes of nettles, box tree and arugula followed by pencil lead and cedar. Full-bodied, firm tannins with moderate acidity. Good tension and density to it.” (11/2023)

“Only 150 cases were produced, and Taylor sourced fruit from a new vineyard in the Chalk Hill AVA. Like many Cabernet Francs, it's got a pyrazine character up front, with dense, black fruit, a mouth-filling texture, and a medium-long finish. The inclusion of a little petit verdot enhances the colour and density of the fruit, making for a more intriguing expression of Cabernet Franc. Tannin and acid structures are well balanced, so this will last for many years. (JG)” (06/2024)

“A touch lean in texture and not overblown in flavor, this wine offers terrific refreshment and palate-cleansing qualities, and is the kind of pour that's not tiring. Floral, toasty aromas and tasty blackberry and black currant flavors show accents of grilled herbs and iron, with medium-plus tannins. (JG)” (12/2023)

“The 2021 Cabernet Franc Singing Hills Vineyard comes from the Chalk Hill AVA, was entirely destemmed, and was aged for one year in French oak, followed by six months in concrete. Inky purple, it’s a little reserved initially on opening, then begins to reveal layered and pure aromas of blackcurrant, pine, lavender oils, and pencil shavings. It’s well-structured and full-bodied, with ripe but present tannins and grounded notes of iron-rich earth, and it has a fleshier core of ripe fruit through a persistent finish with notes of espresso. Though fully ripe, it demands time to allow its more noble structure to tame and become more harmonious.” (11/2023)

“Aromas of brambles, violets and tobacco leaves followed by vanilla beans, blanched nuts with underlying crushed graphite rocks. Full-bodied, bright acidity and compressed yet juicy tannins. Polished and framed mid-palate and finish. Sound and energetic.” (11/2023)

“Perhaps the most herbal of the T. Berkeley Cabernet Francs, there’s also a yeastiness that comes to life at the very end, on the finish of this wine. A lively acid profile adds structure that sets this wine up for the task of lying down to re-emerge from slumber and awaken like a sleeping beauty. (JG)” (06/2024)

“The deep purple 2021 Cabernet Franc Thalia Vineyard is much more effusive on opening, with forward notes of forest herbs, tobacco, black plum, leather, and anise. As with the Singing Hills Vineyard, it was entirely destemmed and was aged for one year in French oak barrels, followed by 6 months in concrete. It’s full-bodied, although its vibrant acidity makes it feel rather light on its feet, and it offers angular tannins, notes of tangy ripe berries, and a clean, fairly long, mineral-tinged finish. (AF)” (11/2023)

“Precise and refined aromas of mixed blue and black fruits followed by lavender, fresh sage and vanilla beans with a touch of pencil shavings. Full-bodied with firm yet ripe tannins and soft acidity. Fascinating vibrancy.” (11/2023)

“The 2021 Cabernet Franc Thalia Vineyard emerges from a site in Knights Valley. It offers up hints of crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, dried herbs, chalk and graphite. There's plenty of savory Knights Valley character and supporting tannin, but those elements work quite well here. This is distinctive. (AG)” (12/2023)