2015 Caladan Napa Valley Cabernet Franc

A relatively new release from this team is the 2015 Cabernet Franc Caladan, which includes just under 20% of Merlot. It has beautiful Cabernet Franc character in its blueberry and black cherry fruits as well as loads of complex forest floor, dried earth, camphor, and chocolate nuances. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and silky, it shows the inherent purity and freshness that’s the hallmark of the vintage, is perfectly balanced, and has the class to evolve gracefully for two decades or more.

The nose is fruity, elegant, beautifully built and fine. It reveals notes of ripe cassis, juicy/fleshy Boysenberry and small notes of violet associated with small touches of small blue fruits as well as hints of Sichuan pepper, nutmeg and an imperceptible hint of local vegetation. The mouth is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy/acidulous frame, a beautiful definition as well as finesse. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of fleshy cassis, small juicy/fleshy blue fruits and small notes of cassis associated with fine touches of chocolate, toasted as well as very discreet hints of caramelization. Tannins are elegant and well-built.