Blue Rock Vineyard Best Barrels 2016 Cabernet Franc
Blue Rock Vineyard
Region: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA
Tasting LIVE on SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with the Winemaker on December 4th
A pristine medium-ruby color, the nose offers a beautiful example of Cab Franc's savory, earthy dried herbs, roasted red pepper and graphite on top of bright red fruits. The palate reveals a medium-full body that dances between all the spicy aromas and fresh strawberry and red raspberry, celebrating California's famous fruit all deftly held by lively acidity and gentle tannins. A gorgeous California example of true Cabernet Franc not found very often!
– Tasting notes by Blue Rock Vineyard
- Color: glistening purple-red
- Aromas: strawberry, red plum, chili pepper, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf
- Palate: tart cherry, cola, lively acidity, long finish, velvety tannin
– Tasting Notes by Ivy Phanith, Sommelier in Training
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RegionAlexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA
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Production510 cases
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Alcohol14.6%
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Aging PotentialReady to enjoy now and will cellar phenomenally well for another 15 years
Rogelio Alarvado - Associate Winemaker
Kent Humphrey - Consulting Winemaker
The estate winemaking traditions of Blue Rock are perhaps best summed up with the French term, terroir, which acknowledges the environmental factors that make the vineyard site unique including soil, weather, appellation, and to that effect, the human element as well.
Running an estate vineyard offers more control over the winemaking process, which yields handcrafted wines of distinction and soul that also give a sense of place. The name Blue Rock originates from the local soil studded with blue pebbles, rocks, and boulders of serpentine. The serpentine rock defines the unique flavor profile of the vineyard as it naturally yields a smaller quantity of grapes.
Traversing 46 acres, the hillside vineyard is planted to the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec. In 1993, an additional three acres of Syrah were planted on an extreme hillside. The cool mornings and warm days that characterize the Alexander Valley allow Blue Rock’s Bordeaux varietals to develop clarity and finesse.
Blue Serpentine rocks populate the soil and create a unique growing medium. As a result, Blue Rock wines are intense yet balanced and with distinctive aromas and flavors.
Handcrafted on site, each vintage maintains its unique personality and charm without the interference of excessive oak or other winemaking techniques found in mass quantity production.
