2021 Bismark Cabernet Franc 750ml (WC Exclusive)
Vineyard: Our Bismark Mountain Ranch is in the Moon Mountain District Sonoma County appellation, high above the city of Sonoma and San Pablo Bay. Here on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains we grow six acres of Cab Franc in two rugged terraced ridge-top blocks. This is steep ground; shared with Creosote bush, Grey pine, coyote and mountain lion. Topographically it is similar to the Douro. Windy, sun drenched yet moderate in temperature, Bismark grudgingly produces grapes with an intense, deeply concentrated flavor. Bismark’s unique terroir is both fierce and alluring.
Bismark Vintage 2021: Winter 2021 was extremely dry and warm, resulting in an extended bud break and bloom. Crop levels were low in 2021 from a combination of weak spring growth, small clusters, and blustery days. Summer was consistently warm and verasion was early. We had a moderate heat push in early September, further hastening the Bismark harvest. The grapes for the Bismark Mountain Cab Franc were harvested from September 9 to 13, 2021, at an average of 28.8o Brix.
Winemaking: Our 2021 Bismark Cabernet Franc was hand harvested at sunrise and arrived at the winery mid-morning. The grapes were sorted, destemmed, and crushed to tank, and cold soaked for six days before inoculation. The wine was pressed sweet, at 12 Brix, and finished fermentation in tank, before an October barreling. Aged in 66% new French Oak barrels for a total of 33 months; sur lie aged for the first 22 months. In the Spring before bottling, a touch of Alexander Valley Nero d’ Avola was blended in to add acid and complement color and fruit intensity.
Tasting Notes: Spice, spice, spice! Green cardamom, star anise, bay laurel, clove and vetiver with dark cherries and cranberries. The dark cherry is echoed in the flavors, followed by roasted chestnuts and sweet potato and a finish of spiced coffee. (Tasted 7/25/2024)
Variety 79% Cabernet Franc 11% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Nero d’Avola, 1% Petit Verdot & Merlot
Vineyard Location Bismark Mountain blocks 23 & 10 Cab Franc, 26 Malbec, 6 Cab Sauv. Moon Mountain District Sonoma County
Age of Vines 28 years
Alcohol 15.2%
pH 3.95
Titratable Acidity (TA) 0.53 g/100 mL
Residual Sugar 0.01%
Avg. Brix at Harvest 28.8o
Length/Type of Aging 33 months in barrel
Oak Types 66% new French Oak coopered by Bossuet, Colbert, Maury, and Remond
Bottling Date July 2, 2024
Number of Cases 121