2022 Estate Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc has long been an important part of the Gainey story and is now one of our most popular wines.  Here in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley, Cabernet Franc has quickly found a sweet spot becoming one of this region’s most successful red grapes.  We attribute its success to our oceanic climate, where warm sunny days meet very cold nights, and our nutrient deficient rocky soils like serpentine, shale and gravel mixed with clay.  Our Cabernet Francs make expressive wines showcasing the very beguiling qualities of this unique grape. The emphasis is always on a core of black brambly fruits with a curious mix of earthy elements like graphite, dried herbs, purple flowers, tobacco and Asian spice, weaving together into a fascinating, harmonious wine.

We approach the winemaking similarly to our top Cabernet Sauvignons but hold back on the amount of new wood preferring older barrels and reduce the length of time in that new wood, allowing for the more charming, greener characteristics of the grape to shine through.  We often do blend small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot to provide more backbone to the finished wine.

Dark purple hue bursting with bright aromas of blue and black brambly fruits mixed with earthy notes of dried herbs, tobacco, graphite and leaf litter.  Sublime on the palate with terrific flavor and complexity leading to a long, delicious finish.  Enjoy with any grilled meats and roasted vegetables.  Drink now – 2032+.