I love world class Cabernet Franc. A new winery that focuses on creating terroir-driven Cabernet Franc from Spring Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Diamond Mountain District, and Mount Veeder. They include a small amount of Merlot in their blend. A Jackson Family brajnd, Caladan utilizes the talents of legendary vintner Chris Carpenter.This wine is similarly structured to his La Jota and Cardinale wines that show not only great terroir but a beginning, middle and an end.

I’ll fully admit that I was blown away with the 2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc (OB, 97) which really needs another year or two of bottle age. Now at the four year mark after two hours in the decanter this shows gorgeous range from black fruits to chocolate and herbal undertones. This is a beautiful expression of terroir that is perfect for any serious collector and lover of world class Napa Cabernet Franc. Learn more at http://www.caladanwines.com and here is my review of the new release Cabernet Franc by Caladan.

2017 Caladan Cabernet Franc- This new project by the talented Chris Carpenter is mostly sourced from the Yverdon Vineyard (64%) on Spring Mountain. A blend of 77% Cabernet Franc with the remainder Merlot, this really needs a two hour decant to fully show at its best. The nose is simply gorgeous with black florals alongside graphite, Turkish coffee, dark chocolate and shades of huckleberry compote. The palate is extraordinarily refined, with a great sense of salinity, viscosity and tension. The flavor range here is seriously good from iodine and Black Forest cake with espresso bean, dried herbs and creosote. This finishes long and comes off almost weightless. Glorious now after a long decant, this has potential to age for thirty years. Drink 2023-2045- 97