2017 Steele Cabernet Franc Lake County

Our location in Lake County allows us to produce several varieties in styles which would make our neighbors to the south a bit jealous. One of these varietals is Cabernet Franc. When we started buying grapes from the vineyard of Floyd Silva, we found that he was growing some of the best Cabernet Franc that we had ever tasted. Floyd retired in 2005 and soon after his retirement, we purchased this vineyard. The Silva Vineyard, now known as Stymie Bench Vineyard is on a gravelly bench, which is located in the Kelsey Bench AVA of Lake County. The vines grow well at this higher elevation and show a great balance of flavors and structure.

WINEMAKING STYLE & TASTING NOTES

The typical winemaking style for our red wines is a warm fermentation followed by pressing and racking. The wine then goes to oak barrels and generally spends 14 months in a combination of American and French oak. Aromas are of raspberry and cassis with peppery undertones, on the palate you will find blueberry and raspberry fruit, with notes of coffee and cocoa; medium tannins and a lingering finish.