2016 Clos du Val Cabernet Franc Hirondelle Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
A wine with soft contours and no hard edges, the 2016 Cabernet Franc Hirondelle Estate Vineyard is very expressive, even in the early going. Torrefaction, chocolate, spice and menthol notes are fused together in a beautifully layered, open-knit Cabernet Franc that holds considerable near and medium-term appeal. Time in barrel has softened the wine nicely and perhaps also mellowed some of the explosive energy the wine showed in its youth. Raspberry jam, wild flowers, cinnamon and minty notes brightened up this gorgeous wine from Clos du Val. It will be interesting to see if the Franc gains a bit more energy as it bounces back from its recent bottling.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Cabernet Franc Hirondelle Estate Vineyard is a big step up from the 2015. Big, powerful and explosive in the glass, the 2016 exudes character from the very first taste. It is also more in line with the other wines stylistically than the 2015 is. Inky dark fruit and soaring aromatics, along with plenty of supporting structure, make for a wine that is bursting at the seams with both potential and character. This is an eye-opening wine from Clos du Val. I can't wait to taste it from bottle.