Search results for: 'agave franc'

Tres Agaves Reposado is produced from organic blue agave grown in the Tequila Valley. The agaves are harvested and roasted to extract their natural sugars before fermentation and distillation. The tequila is then aged for about 9 months in repurposed Bourbon and Tennessee Whiskey barrels, imparting unique flavors and a light yellow hue.

Kilinga Bacanora is a family-owned producer established in 2018 by maestro bacanorero Rodrigo Bojórquez Bours in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico. It holds the distinction of being the first officially designated Bacanora by the Consejo Sonorense Regulador del Bacanora available in the United States. Crafted from wild Maguey Pacifica (Agave Angustifolia), the agave is pit-roasted in the traditional Sonoran method and distilled to produce a spirit with over 300 years of heritage behind it. This Blanco expression is unaged, bottled at 42% ABV to capture the pure, untempered character of the agave.

Tasting Note: The nose opens with aromatic smokiness, sweet roasted agave, and an earthy butteriness accented by toasted hazelnut and mild spice. On the palate, bold toasted caramel meets minerals and wildflowers, with an assertive but balanced smokiness threading through. The finish is smooth and refreshing, with cooked agave and gentle herbal notes lingering cleanly.

Kilinga Bacanora is a family-owned producer established in 2018 by maestro bacanorero Rodrigo Bojórquez Bours in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico. It holds the distinction of being the first officially designated Bacanora by the Consejo Sonorense Regulador del Bacanora available in the United States. Crafted from wild Maguey Pacifica (Agave Angustifolia) and pit-roasted in the traditional Sonoran method, this Reposado expression is rested for six to ten months in white American oak barrels, allowing the raw intensity of the agave to soften and absorb warm barrel influence. Bottled at 40% ABV.

Tasting Note: The nose presents wildflowers, vanilla, roasted coffee, and hints of caramel over a golden honey hue. On the palate, sweet agave and warm spice are joined by subtle oak and a touch of smokiness, with refreshing notes of lime and tropical fruit adding complexity. The finish is smooth, clean, and woodsy, lingering with gentle vanilla and the unmistakable brightness of Sonoran agave.

Kilinga Bacanora is a family-owned producer established in 2018 by maestro bacanorero Rodrigo Bojórquez Bours in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico. It holds the distinction of being the first officially designated Bacanora by the Consejo Sonorense Regulador del Bacanora available in the United States. Crafted from wild Maguey Pacifica (Agave Angustifolia) and pit-roasted in the traditional Sonoran method, this Añejo expression is aged for over five years in French oak barrels, an exceptionally long rest for a Bacanora, developing remarkable depth while preserving the spirit's agave soul. Bottled at a robust 44% ABV.

Tasting Note: The nose is rich and inviting, with dark chocolate, tobacco, vanilla, and charred sugar rising from the glass. On the palate, luxurious toasted caramel unfolds alongside warm baking spice, coffee, and a velvety smoothness imparted by years in French oak. The finish is long and satisfying, as the barrel notes gradually give way to a clean, bright agave character that sweeps across the palate, a signature of Bacanora's Sonoran roots.

95 Points! The 2022 Cabernet Franc is high-toned, fresh, and mineral-driven, with supple tannin and unobtrusive oak. Medium-bodied, it's well put together and a screaming value for the modest price. This will age well given its natural mouthwatering acidity and firm structure; cellar through 2037. - Virginie Boone, jebdunnuck.com

93+ Points! Sourced from Gualtallary's Adrianna Vineyard, the 2022 Cabernet Franc contains 10% Malbec and underwent a 60-day maceration and aged for 15 months in a mix of foudre, barrique and tank. Opening with a dark-fruited, floral and spice-inflected nose, the palate offers dramatic richness tempered by a sturdy, upright, mineral-driven core. It concludes with an explosive, long and layered finish that balances vibrant energy and staining intensity. This is a strikingly overperforming example of the variety that should develop beautifully in the cellar. - Matthew Luczy, robertparker.com

Founded directly above the San Andreas Fault, DeRose Vineyards is located in one of the most active earthquake areasin the World. Furthermore, it is one of only a few wineries anywhere to have a major fissure dissecting its wine cellars. DeRose has vineyards on both sides of the infamous fault. Soils east of the break contain fragmented granite and crumbled sandstone while those on the west side are mostly granite and limestone. Some blocks lie precisely above the line, their tilled surfaces concealing the fissure far below. Cabernet Franc grows east of the fault in loosely packed loam where the drainage is excellent.

A temperamental grape variety in many locations, Cabernet Franc thrives on the DeRose estate, creating heavily extracted wines with wonderful viscosity. Winemaker Pat DeRose prunes each vine in the winter and later exposes the grapes to beneficial sunlight with careful leaf removal. Clusters are thinned after veraison to attain proper vine balance.

92 Points! Based on 81% Cabernet Franc, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Malbec, the 2021 Cabernet Franc sports a vivid purple hue to go with impressive aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, spring flowers, and chocolaty oak. It's medium-bodied and has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. A beautiful wine, it might even be better in another year or two as it integrates its oak. Regardless, it's a terrific value that I'd happily drink any time over the coming 8-10 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

92 Points! A rich and fruity cabernet franc with creamy berries, vanilla and sweet oak spices on the nose. Medium body with plush tannins. Creamy berries and mocha on the palate with dried herbs and cedar in the finish. Try after 2025. - JamesSuckling.com

94 Points! While the 2022 Cabernet Franc Appellation San Carlos is bright and fresh at first blush, it also has a tension of tannin lurking beneath the surface, offering memorable twin powers of verve and intensity. Green tea and tomato leaf give it a savory, herbal edge that delights, contrasting well against a foundation of cassis and black plum. This one stays with you. Cellar through 2037. - Virginie Boone, robertparker.com

96 Points! Lots of Bordeaux-like currants, cedar pencil, chocolate, and leather nuances emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Franc Tinaquaic Vineyard, an incredibly well-balanced, medium to full-bodied red that has fine tannins and a great finish. It might be one of the finest Bordeaux blends I've tasted from this estate, and if you were to put this in a blind tasting of top Bordeaux, you might just shock your friends – and yourself. - Jeb Dunnuck

The Mussio Rosso is a dry ruby red wine from the Zoppola commune located in the region of Fruiuli Venezia Giulia, Italy.

Suggested serving temperature is 18°C. 100% Cabernet Franc

94 Points! The 2021 Poggio de Colli, 100% Cabernet Franc, is stunning. It’s peppery and floral throughout, with masses of crushed strawberry and raspberry spiced up by tangerine zest. This impresses further with its wiry textures offset by tantalizing acidity. A core of tart wild berry fruit cascades across the palate, underscored by saline minerals and hints of citrus. Fine-grained tannins emerge through the finish as the 2021 tapers off spicy yet fresh, leaving the mouth watering despite its structure and intensity. This is a ripe vintage for Poggio de Colli, yet it is still a glorious Cabernet Franc that will pay dividends in the cellar. - Eric Guido, Vinous Media

The 2007 vintage builds on the momentum of Palazzo Wine’s earliest Cabernet Franc releases from Carneros and represents Scott Palazzo’s second vintage of this varietal crafted in Napa Valley. Like its siblings, the wine reflects prolonged devotion to the elegance and complexity found in Bordeaux’s Right Bank wines. For years this magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members and collectors, making this the first time this mature, library magnum has been offered to the public. This is a rare chance to acquire a beautifully aged Napa Cabernet Franc from an early chapter in Palazzo’s story.

Tasting Note:
In magnum, the 2007 shows a deep garnet color and a refined nose of redcurrant jelly, kirsch and wild blueberry layered with subtle bay leaf, pencil shavings and tobacco spice. The palate is full and structured with savory fruit core framed by grainy tannins and lively acidity, leading to a long finish with an herbal lift and polished texture. This is a Cabernet Franc with both muscle and nuance, showing depth from age while still retaining bright, expressive fruit and fresh acidity.

The 2006 vintage represents the first full commercial release of Scott Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc, built on his long-standing devotion to the wines of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Sourced from Truchard Vineyard in Carneros, this wine reflects Palazzo’s belief that the region produces Cabernet Franc with greater nuance, balance, and aromatic complexity than other parts of Napa Valley. For years, this wine and its magnum format were available only through Palazzo’s private members list. This release marks the first time these magnums have ever been offered to the public, presenting a rare opportunity to experience a defining wine from the estate in the format best suited for long aging and graceful evolution.

Tasting Note:
Now beautifully mature, the 2006 opens with lifted floral aromas of violet and dried rose petal, followed by notes of crushed raspberry, red cherry, and gentle spice. On the palate, the wine is elegant and poised, showing purity of fruit, vibrant acidity, and finely resolved tannins. Savory undertones and a supple texture add depth, while the finish is long, fresh, and refined. In magnum, the wine’s balance and energy remain striking, highlighting the precision and restraint that define Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc.

The 2009 vintage marks a moment of refinement and confidence in Scott Palazzo’s Cabernet Franc program, building on several successful releases rooted in his Right Bank inspired vision. Sourced from Carneros, the wine reflects a growing mastery of balance, structure, and aromatic expression, emphasizing elegance over excess. As with the earlier vintages, the magnum format was produced in very limited quantities and held back exclusively for Palazzo’s private members. This release represents the first time these mature library magnums have been offered to the public, making it a rare opportunity to acquire a fully developed Napa Cabernet Franc in its most expressive and age-worthy form.

Tasting Note:
The 2009 opens with a layered and inviting bouquet of violets, dried herbs, and ripe red fruits, accented by subtle notes of cedar and spice. On the palate, the wine is composed and seamless, showing red cherry, raspberry, and savory undertones carried by lively acidity and finely integrated tannins. The texture is supple yet structured, with a sense of freshness that belies its age. The finish is long and graceful, revealing depth, polish, and quiet power that are further amplified by the magnum format.

The 2011 vintage was shaped by one of the coolest and most challenging growing seasons of the decade in Napa Valley, producing wines defined by freshness, structure, and restraint. For Scott Palazzo, the year aligned naturally with his Right Bank inspired vision for Cabernet Franc, favoring balance and aromatic detail over ripeness. Sourced from Carneros and bottled in extremely limited quantities, the magnum format was held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members for more than a decade. This release marks the first time these library magnums have been offered to the public, offering collectors a rare opportunity to experience a cool-vintage Napa Cabernet Franc in its most age-worthy format.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with lifted, savory aromatics of dried herbs, violet, and red currant, accented by subtle notes of cedar and forest floor. On the palate, the 2011 is focused and linear, showing tart cherry, cranberry, and gentle spice carried by bright acidity and finely grained tannins. There is an underlying mineral tension that adds precision and length. The finish is clean, persistent, and quietly complex, with the magnum format preserving the wine’s energy, nuance, and sense of place.

The 2012 vintage marked a return to a warmer, more generous growing season in Napa Valley, producing wines with greater depth and approachability while still retaining balance. For Scott Palazzo, this vintage offered an opportunity to express Cabernet Franc with a touch more richness while staying true to his Right Bank inspired focus on structure and elegance. Sourced from Carneros and bottled in very limited quantities, these magnums were held exclusively for Palazzo’s private members until now. This release represents the first time these mature library magnums have been made available to the public, offering collectors a rare chance to experience a fully developed Napa Cabernet Franc in its most expressive format.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with an inviting bouquet of violets, ripe raspberry, and red cherry, layered with hints of sweet spice and subtle earth. On the palate, the 2012 is generous and polished, showing supple red and dark berry fruit supported by vibrant acidity and finely resolved tannins. Savory undertones and gentle oak influence add dimension without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is long, smooth, and harmonious, with the magnum format preserving freshness and balance while allowing the wine’s richness to unfold gracefully.

The 2010 vintage emerged from a cooler, more measured growing season in Napa Valley and is often regarded as one of the more classically styled years of the decade. For Scott Palazzo, this vintage reinforced his Right Bank inspired approach to Cabernet Franc, emphasizing restraint, aromatic complexity, and structure over power. Sourced from Carneros and produced in very limited quantities, the magnum format was held back exclusively for Palazzo’s private members for over a decade. This release marks the first time these library magnums have been offered to the public, presenting a rare opportunity to experience a mature, cool-vintage Cabernet Franc in the format best suited for graceful aging.

Tasting Note:
The wine opens with a refined and savory aromatic profile, showing dried violet, red currant, and subtle herbal notes layered with hints of cedar and gentle spice. On the palate, the 2010 is composed and focused, offering bright red cherry and cranberry fruit framed by lively acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. Earthy undertones and a touch of graphite add depth as the wine unfolds. The finish is clean, structured, and persistent, with a sense of freshness and balance that has been beautifully preserved in magnum, highlighting both the vintage’s classic character and its long-term aging potential.

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

95 Points! A subtle graphite character makes this a very attractive and typical Bordeaux red. Aromas of dark plums with a touch of iron, as well as forest-floor, mineral and white-pepper notes. Medium to full body with fine, chiseled tannins and a perfumed finish. Tensioned and long. Quite transparent on the palate. Merlot from deep, thick clay. 80% in foudre. From organically grown grapes. - JamesSuckling.com

92-94 Points! This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo! - Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

94 Points! Lovely dark fruity fragrance with perfumed floral aromas on the nose, smells expressive and open. Smooth and supple, a lovely combination of tension, mouthwatering acidity and fruitiness here, such sleek texture with definition and soft juiciness. The tannins have grip and purpose with a softly fleshy and mineral sensation - liquorice, wet stone and graphite - giving a wide and interesting expansion on the palate. Feels cool and controlled, serious and focussed, with balance, still with concentration and power and grip. Feels very classy on the palate. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com

One of the best Cab Francs in America! From Leo: The Ascona vineyard is farmed by Ken Swegles. The sites that he and his team manage have become quite legendary, and continue to get better and better over the years. We are very excited to share this new release, aged in concrete egg and neutral French oak barrels.