2008 Del Dotto Cabernet Franc Napa Valley

The 2008 Cabernet Franc is 100% Cabernet Franc from estate vineyards in Rutherford. Abundant aromas of cranberries, black cherries, new saddle leather and spice are offered in a fragrant, full-bodied, juicy style. The lofty alcohol content is well-concealed behind a cascade of delicious fruit and spice. This wine should drink nicely for 10-20 years. I doubt if anyone in France has ever seen Cabernet Franc this ripe and powerful, but this is the real deal. Del Dotto produces two Cabernet Sauvignons from St. Helena, both 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. They offer academic lessons in Cabernet Sauvignon from this hallowed spot in Napa Valley. The charismatic David Del Dotto produces a dizzying array of world class wines from his Roman-styled villa in Napa Valley. This estate has a beautiful site on Pritchard Hill, just below Don Bryant’s Pritchard Hill Vineyard as well as Tim Mondavi’s Continuum. Somewhat confusingly, Del Dotto makes two wines called The David, the 2008 The David Napa Valley (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot) and the 2008 The David Howell Mountain (40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc). The Napa Valley cuvee sports a black label and the Howell Mountain has a red label. Tel. (707) 963-2134; Fax (707) 963-3531