2022 Cabernet Franc – Dell Valley Vineyard

Funky until it opens, and laden with rich red fruit aromas and balanced by a muddle of violet and bell pepper that feels voluminous but refreshing. A hint of sea breeze. The palate is full-bodied and rich, with a kiss of sweetness to balance a warming alcohol that comes only at the very end.

Fermented in large oak fermenter for 15 days. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels for 18 months.

ABV: 15.4% | pH: 3.91 | TA: 6.48 g/L | RS: 1.98 g/L

Serve at 59°F | Decant

Pair with steak topped with mushroom and onion, eggplant and tomato, and stuffed poblano peppers.

Originally planted in 1987, the vines at Dell Valley Vineyard are thick and deeply rooted in the sloped sandy, caliche type soils of West Texas. Sitting outside of any currently designated American Viticultural Area, or AVA, this vineyard is mightily tended by Phillipe, whose experience with growing grapevines began at an early age on the French island of Corsica.

Elevation: 3,750 ft. Soil type: Sandy loam over caliche with river rock. Age of vines: 34 years.