2023 Trois Noix "Muir Hanna Vineyard" Oak Knoll Napa Valley Cabernet Franc

A tiny production wine from a small block of Cabernet Franc at Muir-Hanna. This wine does a perfect job of striking a balance between some of the more aggressively herbaceous styles of Cab Franc you might find in the Loire Valley and the big, bold, ripe styles that have become quite popular in Napa Valley. For me, Jaime managed to capture the warmer growing season and purity of fruit you get from Napa while retaining wonderful floral and savory elements that leave you in no doubt that this is Cabernet Franc. The fruit has a beautiful purple-toned character, with dried flowers and black raspberry, plus hints of woodsy spice, dusty earth, dried herbs, and a touch of blackcurrant leaf. Medium-bodied, wonderfully food-friendly, and decidedly quaffable. Delicious now with a 20-30 minute decant, but it will also age beautifully, allowing that savory complexity to grow over the coming 5-10 years and probably beyond. Such a charming wine at an unbelievable price!