2014 Banshee, Cabernet Franc, Algeria Vineyard, Russian River Valley.
This is a single vineyard expression of unique qualities that makes it a very intriguing wine of place, it doesn’t show pure varietal character or classic flavors, but it is so good you have to drop your own expectations and just enjoy it for it’s own style! A 100% Cabernet Franc from Algeria Vineyard in the Russian River that shows bright blueberry, lavender and dried roses to start, leading to more of same on the medium/full palate that is neither Loire or Bordeaux, but maybe a very different terroir altogether with black cherry, cinnamon, bramble berry, raspberry/framboise, cedar as well as earthy spiced plum. The vibrant flavors are sexy and seductive and with air there is enough loamy notes and traces of savory herbs to keep everything interesting, this is really fun stuff from Banshee. Tasted at their downtown Healdsburg tasting room with classic rock n’ roll vinyl playing in the background and spot on customer service, along with Zalto glasses made for a fantastic tasting experience, and with Ross Cobb and Katy Wilson overseeing much of the winemaking and blending many of the wines you have something very special going on here, especially the rare single vineyard and unique blends they have available at the tasting room. The Algeria Vineyard Cabernet Franc is lovely and tasty stuff, but also be sure to look for the Morning Light and Marine Layer Pinots as well as the new 2014 Heintz Chardonnay all of which were stunning on the day, if you are a fan of LaRue and Cobb, you’ll love these latest Banshee offerings.
($40 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
