2024 Cabernet Franc – Dell Valley Vineyard

Thick aromas of red cherry compote, preserved strawberry, and cinnamon stick are heightened with a strongly floral "zestiness" that develops into red bell pepper and tomato savoriness. A mouth coating, mouth watering, but at the same time, drying sensation from teeth to tongue.

Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc

Fermented in stainless steel tank and large neutral oak fermenter. Aged in 25% new French oak barrels and 75% neutral oak barrels for 4 months in separate lots, and 14 more months after blending.

Serve at 59°F | Decant

ABV: 15.2% | pH: 3.78 | TA: 7.30 g/L | RS: 2.00 g/L

char-grilled T-bone steak, venison chili, Mesquite smoked meat, and Mexican mole.

Continually planted since 1987, the vines at Dell Valley are 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, the vines are mightily tended by Philipe, whose experience with growing grapevines began at an early age on the French island of Corsica.

Dell Valley Vineyard, Hudspeth County (outside any designated AVA). Age of Vines: 38 years. Soil Type: Sandy loam over caliche with river rock. Elevation: 3,750 ft.