Fleur de Lys
2011 Cabernet Franc
Spring Mountain District
At the highest elevations of the Mayacamas mountains in the Spring Mountain District, Terra Valentine grows a few acres of Cabernet Franc: three small blocks planted in separate clones that produce wines fit for royalty. These are typically blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to produce our most sought-after wines. But in 2011, the Cabernet Franc persevered through the October rains to ripen to its fullest potential, and we chose to feature it in its own bottling for Premiere Napa Valley. The floral notes combine with lush, rich fruit, and the smooth tannins round out this distinct selection of Cabernet Franc from the Terra Valentine estate.
22 months in 50% new French Oak
bone dry |
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very sweet |
light body |
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very full bodied |
soft, gentle |
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very crisp |
no tannins |
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heavy tannins |
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Winemaker, Terra Valentine
I was born and raised in St. Helena and grew up alongside my dad, who began making wine in Napa Valley in 1968. By the time I was in high school, I was working every afternoon in the wine business and began to develop my palate for blending wines. I blended my first solo wine my senior year of high school. After graduating from UC Davis and working a vintage in Australia, I had the opportunity to join a start-up on Spring Mountain and have been here ever since.
Country born: United States
Education: BS Fermentation Science 1998 UC Davis
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
I grew up drinking the wines of the 1970s and 1980s from the Napa Valley. The understated elegance of those wines, along with their staying power, was a profound influence. Though my style has a modern influence as well, I feel it is important for a wine to show a sense of place and for each component to balance out the other so that the experience is seamless.
825 W Glenoaks Boulevard
Glendale CA 91202
626-794-7026
Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Terra Valentine | 2011 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | Fleur de Lys | 17 |
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