2021 Relic Cabernet Franc The Prior
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2021 Cabernet Franc The Prior is mostly Cabernet Franc from a site off the Silverado Trail, not far from Eisele Vineyard. Aged 21 months in new barrels, it has a solid perfume of red and black fruits, spice, pressed flowers, and hints of chocolate. These all carry to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied and has an elegant, silky texture, supple tannins, and a great finish. It's a classic, incredibly impressive expression of Cabernet Franc to enjoy over the coming 15+ years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Relic's 2021 Cabernet Franc The Prior is only 77% Cabernet Franc (from Frediani Vineyard), while the balance is Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) and Petit Verdot (9%) from Kenefick Ranch. Aged in 100% new French oak, it offers up scents of thyme, cherries, hints of tobacco leaf and an underpinning of vanilla. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied and silky in feel, linear and lingering. Nicely proportioned and finely balanced from start to finish, it's a fine example of Calistoga fruit, even if it isn't labeled as such.