Wine Library Dell Valley Vineyard
2021 Cabernet Franc – Dell Valley Vineyard
97% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage2021
- TypeRed
- AppellationHudspeth County
- VineyardDell Valley Vineyard
- DrinkNow to 2026
When to drink it
Drinking at its peak - decant recommendedNow to 2026
Last tasted April 2025, from bottles kept at 58 to 59°F and out of the light. A bottle stored warmer will be further along than this.
- ABV
- 15.2%
- TA
- 6.08 g/L
- pH
- 3.75
- RS
- 2.0 g/L
- Cases Made
- 544
Tasting Notes
Classic Cabernet Franc bell pepper, with more unique notes of sweet sage and fresh oregano, coriander, ripe red plum, and intoxicating purple flowers and even jasmine. The nose and palate are incredibly balanced and finessed, lingering even after the full weight of its body is gone.
Winemaking
Fermented in oak fermenter for 9 days after a 48 hour cold soak, then pressed off the skins to continue fermenting. Aged for 10 months in neutral oak fermenters.
Food Pairing
Pair to the finest cut of Prime Rib, Italian sheep's milk cheeses, or grilled veggie skewers.
The Vineyard
Dell Valley Vineyard, Hudspeth County, Texas. Continuously planted since 1987, deeply rooted in sloped sandy, caliche soils at over 3,500 ft elevation, sitting next to vast alfalfa fields outside of any currently designated American Viticultural Area. Tended by Philipe, whose experience with growing grapevines began at an early age on the French island of Corsica.
Elevation: 3,650 to 5,000 ft. Soil: Sandy loam over caliche soil. Age of vines: 6 years.