Last Tuesday, September 11, 2012, we bottled the Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, 2009 Cabernet Franc. Only 25 cases, but WOW what a wine! The best vintage yet. This one isn’t as hot as some of the others with only 13.2% alcohol by volume. The pH is a perfect 3.59. It’s already drinkable, but shouldn’t peak for at least 5-7 years.

Thanks to my parents, and sister, Suzanne for coming from Utah to help us bottle, and thanks to the friends who helped us pick, crush and press this vintage. I made the decision to barrel it for 3 years because I use “neutral” oak barrels, and wanted to make sure enough oak infused the wine to give it the texture it needed. I used American Oak stave’s for 1 year and French Oak stave’s for 2 years.

I’m very happy with this vintage, and look forward to the next one (2010 Petite Sirah) in 6-8 months.