WTN: Open that Bottle - Bevan Cab Franc

[David M. Bueker]

• 2018 Bevan Cellars Cabernet Franc Saunders Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville (2/29/2024)
  When the hell should I open this? Oh, it’s leap day, so why not tonight?!
  
  Dark as a moonless night. Initially it was a raspberry milkshake, but that resolved after about an hour, revealing more detail in the aromas, and brightness in the flavors. It’s definitely not Loire Cab Franc (at least not for another 30 years of climate change), but it had red fruit, and a dash of green around the edges that functions more as refreshing icing on the cake than as a central ingredient. Where this really shines is the intense depth. It lingers on the palate, with dark cherry, tobacco and milk chocolate flavors. Luscious is a good word, but I didn’t get tired of drinking it. One bottle left, and no hurry to get back to it, as this has concentration for a long run.

Luscious is a good word, but I didn’t get tired of drinking it.

That's good. Luscious but not ponderous can be fun. What alcohol percentage?

[David M. Bueker]

14.9%

14.9%

Ok. A little heady. But so much is these days.

[David M. Bueker]

Yeah - if things are under 15% it feels "normal."

Yeah - if things are under 15% it feels "normal."

Ouch.

I make the odd exceptions for Piedmont that sometimes surpasses 14% (and some of the ESJ I still have was above 14%). But for the most part, I try to stay below 14%. Still lots of good German, Burgundy, Loire etc in the 12-13% range (although Western Loire chenins can creep high).

[Jenise]

The only CF I've had that might be close was a Jonata El Alma from Santa Barbara County back in 2020. The alcohol was a few percent more manageable than yours, but it was similarly big, dark, luscious and unlike any CF I've ever had while still being unmistakably CF. "Opaque and inky purple-black color. Nose of black currant, blueberries, tarragon, mint and dust with same on the palate. Dense and rich stopping short of OTT with silky tannins and a finish that goes on forever." Definitely something I'd love to experience again.

[David M. Bueker]

Corsion has made Cab Franc from time to time that is, while still Californian, much more in my zone. Still have a couple of bottles, and they are quite precious.