François' Pick: Orchard Block
2011 Cabernet Franc
Spring Mountain District
We love this block of Cabernet Franc. It has consistently made it into our signature wine, the Cain Five. But for Premiere Napa Valley, François has saved just one barrel to star on its own. The wine has a beautiful fresh floral bouquet, with hints of menthol, douglas fir, and a nicely toasted barrel. On the palate, it is juicy, balanced and flowing - perfectly in the Cain style!
bone dry | very sweet | |
light body | very full bodied | |
soft, gentle | very crisp | |
no tannins | heavy tannins | |
Winemaker, Cain Vineyard & Winery
I was born and raised in Cognac, France, where my family has a vineyard. After completing four years of enology and viticulture school, I took over the management of my family's estate. Then, at age 24, I decided to explore the New World of wine. Ending up in the Napa Valley, I worked for a small winery, Bernard Pradel Cellars (now Elyse), where I managed their viticulture and winemaking. I worked the harvest of 1993 at Newton Vineyard, and began working for Cain Vineyard & Winery in 1994 as associate winemaker.
Country born: France
Education: Four years of studying viticulture and enology in France
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Winemaking begins in the vineyard, a long time before any fermentation takes place in the cellar. Being able to read what the vines are showing you, and how the grapes are behaving at harvest time, is a must. The process of transforming grapes into wine in the barrel should flow easily, until judicious blending takes place.
3690 J King Street
Alexandria VA 22302
703-861-9508
Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coho | 2013 | Merlot | Coombsville | Michael Black Vineyard-North Ave. | 19 |
Lail Vineyards | 2013 | Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | Henry VI | 19 |
Snowden Vineyards | 2013 | Cabernet Franc | Napa Valley | Melchior Kemper Vineyard | 19 |
ADAMVS | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Borne | 18 |
Cain Vineyard and Winery | 2011 | Cabernet Franc | Spring Mountain District | François' Pick: Orchard Block | 17 |
Davies Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | Rock Garden Block | 17 |
Larkmead Vineyards | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 17 |
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