Mission Codename Return of the Mack II
Told ya so. The 2016 is Sold Out. Howeva… look what we found, a small stash of the 2015 next!
Return of the Jedi. Return of the King ala Lord of the Rings. Return of the Living Dead. None of those holds a candle to… The return of JACOB FRANKLIN!
If you’re new to Jacob Franklin, here’s the deal. They’re one of our ultimate, must-haves. Period. We’ve been slinging their wines for a while now and they always deliver the goods.
Mostly we’ve dealt out their Petite Sirahs but today we’re breaking new ground with a single vineyard Cab Franc. Over 60% OFF - that’s nearly fifty bucks a bottle back in your pocket!
Maybe you know Elyse where Russel Bevan helps make the wines. The boutique family-run winery named after Founder Ray Coursen’s daughter has been a best-kept secret in Napa for a long time. But she was not an only child! Not wanting to play favorites, he started Jacob Franklin named after his son where they focus on crafting vineyard-designate wines that over-deliver big time.
Speaking of vineyard-designate, Holbrook Mitchell is helluva special site. Originally discovered and made famous for its Bordeaux varietals by the legendary Kent Rosenblum nowadays the only winemaker with access to this extraordinary fruit is Russell Bevan himself, as well as Blankiet Estate (made by Graeme MacDonald) and Keever (made by Celia Welch) – talk about premium dirt!
Though Jake “JF” Coursen works with some of the best in the valley, his resume is stellar in its own right. Besides his own, he has held winemaking positions for Cakebread Cellars and Hunnicutt, while his dad Ray Coursen too has an equally compelling background, including stints at Whitehall Lane and C. Mondavi’s Purple Heart wines which pay tribute to and honors the men and women of the US Military.
This Cab Franc is outstanding and true to varietal. Freshly baked mixed berry pie, crushed violets, baking spices, and vanilla cream. We just LOVE everything about this wine - the plush texture, the rich midpalate, and the long finish. Telltale plush Yountville tannins have morphed into gentle, soft, sweet little things. You’ll need at least two bottles for dinner, one for while you cook, the other to pair. Think juicy steaks!
Do not delay - this too will sell out quickly!
92 Points – Tasting.com
“Aromas of chocolate toffee, toasted herb and tomato focaccia, and chalk board with a silky, bright, dryish medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long dolmades, roasted nuts and mulberries, and roasted yams and beets finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A nicely nuanced and polished Cabernet Franc that will delight at the table.”
What the Winery Says
2015 Holbrook Mitchell Vineyard Cabernet Franc
- Winemaker
- Jake Coursen
- Varietal
- 100% Cabernet Franc
- Vintage
- 2015
- Alcohol
- 15.1%
- Appellation
- Yountville, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- Holbrook Mitchell Vineyard
- Total acidity
- 6.32 g/L
- pH
- 3.51
- Aging
- 22 months
- Barrels
- 60% new French oak