The 2023 screwcap Cabernet Franc from Cresta Blanca Vineyard is a dynamic, complex, and expressive wine—especially impressive at a $35 SRP. Aged in concrete and neutral puncheons, this 1,000-case bottling is medium- to full-bodied, striking a remarkable balance between seriousness and approachability. The tannins are superfine and perfectly integrated, framing a beautiful panoply of dried sage, spearmint, and tobacco leaf. Juicy red and black currant fruit anchors the core, with spectacular wet river stone minerality, subtle underbrush, and crushed cacao nib nuances rounding out the finish.

Elements is a one-third blend of the Steven Kent “Steel”, “Rock”, and “Wood” aged Cabernet Franc wines. It’s an effortlessly delicious and expressive wine, capturing the best traits of all three: pure red and black fruit, integrated wild herb nuances, and a lovely thread of saline-mineral tension. Fine-grained tannins have a velveteen edge, gliding into a long finish marked by cocoa nib. Medium-bodied, with slightly less mid-palate depth than Wood, but with greater aromatic lift and flavor complexity. Very well put together—and a pleasure to drink.

Rock is aged in concrete for 14–18 months, offering a strikingly different expression of Cabernet Franc. The red and black currant fruit is more coiled and restrained, layered with earthy nuances and a subtle sauvage character that feels wild yet refined. The texture is almost velvety, with a grounded, mineral presence that gives the wine a quiet power. Really fascinating—and a compelling contrast within this producer’s Cabernet Franc series.

“Steel” is one of four Cabernet Franc wines in a series presented by Steven Kent Mirassou, alongside “Rock”, “Wood”, and “Elements”. Each is aged for just 10 months in a single type of vessel—highlighting how aging environment alone can shape the varietal expression. “The impetus for my wife, Beth, and me was something we experienced in the Loire Valley a year ago,” says Mirassou. “We noticed the variety of aging vessels being used, and after working with Cabernet Franc here for more than 20 vintages—this being my 30th harvest—we wanted to showcase the differences in varietal characteristics across vessels.” Steel is made in a reductive style and is incredibly expressive. Aged for up to 10 months in stainless steel, it reveals striking purity of blackberry, black cherry, and black currant fruit, accented by tobacco leaf, spearmint, and sage. Medium-bodied, with silky fruit and precise saline-acid tension, it finishes with a delicate layer of dried flowers. Fresh, pure, and savory, Steel delivers elegant structure and a perfectly balanced finish.