2010 Wm. Harrison, Cabernet Franc, Rutherford Estate, Napa Valley.
This is a brilliant effort, and a totally vivid expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, this is neither Loire or Bordeaux in style, Wm. Harrison’s Rutherford Cabernet Franc is pure California in the glass, glorious. This vibrant and darkly hued red gleams a blue/black with garnet edges with a nose that lifts wild flowers, minty spice and sweet cedary wood notes along with a palate that shows black currants, plum, cherry and loganberry fruits with a hint of allspice, pepperiness, a touch of pencil lead, vanilla and anise plus a whiff of cigar wrapper and a lengthy finish that has a creme de cassis aftertaste. This 2010 Wm. Harrison Cabernet Franc is medium/full and has rich texture, but never feels fat or heavy, it is wonderfully balanced and is generous and pleasing wine with smooth tannins, a bit of juicy acidity and well judged French oak subtlety. While all the 2010’s were lovely at Wm. Harrison, it really is this Cabernet Franc that stands out, especially at the price, when compared to the Cabernet Sauvignon and certainly this remarkable wine would be a super companion to lamb, duck or any of your steak choices. Drink from 2014 to 2022 easy, it was great revisiting this nice little winery on Silverado Trail, and I suggest you drop in as well when you get that way.
($50 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive