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Our exploration of Cabernet Franc has taken us full circle to an inspirational visit to the ancient town of St. Emillon, on the Fourth of July, some thirty years ago. There we were enthralled with the rich and inviting wines that are crafted in the region, where Cabernet Franc and Merlot play the lead roles and Cabernet Sauvignon a supporting one. Just a couple years later we found ourselves living and working in the Napa Valley, at a time when vintners were just starting to come to an understanding of the synergy that these grapes brought forth when blended together. L&R RIGHT BANK® is an assemblage of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon from five vineyards located in the heart of Napa Valley. Each vineyard site was selected to accent these different grapes’ characteristics so when brought together their individual attributes would lift each other harmoniously. The Cabernet Franc, at 53%, could be the dominant player; however its vibrant aromatics and racy fruit flow seamlessly into the richer, dark plum-like characteristics of the Merlot, at 30%. The Petit Verdot, 9%, supports with density and texture while the Cabernet Sauvignon, 8%, provides a structure to sustain the rich fruit through a lengthy finish. The balance and charm of this wine will allow it to be enjoyed now (we suggest decanting), but that same balance combined with the structure will let the wine gain in complexity and nuance with additional cellar aging. Each of the wines was aged in a judicious selection of French oak barrels, a mix of seasoned and new, for 25 months. The final blend was composed in the spring of 2006 and the wine was bottled in December 2006. The eight barrels yielded 2,160 Bottles, 108 Magnums and 9 Double Magnums. Description The color of this wine is a deep ruby red with highlights of violet blue on the edges. The aromas are reserved at first, but blossom into an exotic mix of bright cherry, black currant, spice and herbs layered with a hint of creamy vanilla. The palate teases with the similar cherry and currant flavors then bursts into a broad and mouth filling wine that is elegant and focused from the beginning to the finish. The structure of the wine helps hold together each of the components into a seamless impression, with firm, ripe tannins and an everlasting finish. Production Statistics Blend: 53% Cabernet Franc, St. Helena & Larkmead Ln; 30% Merlot, St. Helena; 9% Petite Verdot, Rutherford; 8% Cab Sauvignon, Stags Leap District Aging Régime: 25 Months French Oak, 80% Seasoned & 20% New Alcohol: Total Acidity: pH: Label Design: Jeanne Greco – Caffe Greco Design, New York, NY Suggested Retail: $80.00 [750ml] RIGHT BANK® is a registered trademark of Lang & Reed Wine Company, St. Helena, California USA |
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