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)