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Cristaldi Scores

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Vintage

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Color

Rating

2020

Belle Fiore

Signature Series Cabernet Franc

This Signature Series Cabernet Franc is sourced from Fort Miller Vineyard and was fermented as whole berries in a 5-ton open-top fermenter, then aged for 22 months in 30% new French oak. It’s a beautifully expressive wine with aromas of rose petal and rose stem, complemented by vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers layered notes of tobacco leaf, allspice, and sage, all supported by powerful, grippy tannins that give it structure and age-worthy depth.

2020

Chateau LaFayette Reneau

Chateau LaFayette Reneau Cabernet Franc

Harvested from 40-year-old vines grown on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes, this wine was fermented on the skins, then pressed and aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. Dark-fruited and structured, it delivers robust tannins and juicy acid tension that drive a spicy, medium-bodied finish.

2020

Ryan William Vineyard

Ryan William Vineyard Cabernet Franc Reserve

As is often the case with Reserve bottlings of Cabernet Franc from New York State, this wine delivers greater volume and a satiny texture. It offers a layered mix of red and black fruit nuances, with notes of tobacco, cedarwood, and crushed cacao nibs emerging on the juicy, earth-driven finish. Sourced from 20-year-old vines at Ryan William Vineyard on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes, the fruit was fermented on the skins, then pressed and aged in a combination of new, used, and neutral French oak barrels.

2021

Buttonwood Grove Winery

Cabernet Franc

This Cabernet Franc comes from the rain-soaked 2021 vintage—a challenging year when July rains arrived early and lingered. As is typical of the vintage, the wine is on the lighter side, with owner David Pittard noting it reflects the Finger Lakes’ acid-driven, leaner style. Red cherry and plum fruit lead the nose, accented by coriander, cumin, and cedarwood spice. On the palate, ripe, firm tannins support notes of crunchy pomegranate seed and a fresh, elegant frame. Fermented in stainless steel and open-top one-ton bins (inoculated), then aged in mostly neutral French oak barrels.

2021

Cellar 13 Winery

Cabernet Franc

This 100% Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 50% new Hungarian and French oak. Sourced entirely from Clone 1 vines at White Cat Vineyard in the Livermore Valley AVA. A pretty and elegant expression of Cabernet Franc, offering a refined nose of currant fruit, tobacco, turned earth, and dried wildflowers. Medium-bodied on entry, with a wealth of juicy currant and spiced plum fruit, layered with fine tobacco, hints of vanilla, and pops of new cedarwood, all framed by expressive acidity on the refreshing finish.

2021

Del Valle Winery

Cabernet Franc

Aged for 20 months in 30% new European oak, this Cabernet Franc from Garre Vineyard is savory, meaty, and zesty. It opens with crunchy currant fruit, tobacco, loamy earth, and crushed violets. Medium-bodied on the palate, with more juicy, ripe currant, smoked paprika, and black sea salt, all framed by superfine tannins and a succulent black truffle and charcuterie finish.

2021

Garre Vineyard & Winery

Cabernet Franc

This 2021 Cabernet Franc from Garré was aged for 20 months in 33% new Eastern European oak. It’s a very pretty wine—soft, approachable, and full of charm—with black currant fruit, cola notes, and hints of underbrush building across the medium-bodied palate. Gentle tannins glide into a long finish marked by black sea salt, Earl Grey tea, and pressed violets. A gentle giant, and all too easy to drink.

2021

Murrieta's Well

Cabernet Franc

Murrieta’s Well’s Cabernet Franc was fermented in stainless steel tanks with pneumatage twice daily, then aged for 19 months in 60% new French oak and 40% used French oak barrels. Refined, focused, and medium-bodied with suave tannins and expressive black currant fruit, it carries notes of mocha and blood orange-like acidity on a finish marked by dried wild herbs and rich baking spices. There’s a lovely sweetness to the bold fruit, balanced by savory herbal tones and subtle tobacco character.

2021

Occasio Winery

Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Franc

The 2021 Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Franc from Livermore Valley is a dark-toned, bold, and fragrant red, showing classic Cabernet Franc character with high-toned dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and black currant fruit. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with superfine tannins and layers of spice, including a smoked paprika nuance throughout. Juicy currant fruit fills the mid-palate with good density while staying light on its feet. Finishes long with a mineral edge. A rocking Cab Franc from this producer.

2021

Occasio Winery

Heritage Cabernet Franc

Exclusive to wine club members, this red is sourced from the highly regarded Ghielmetti Vineyard. The nose is already compelling, offering warm spices, tobacco notes, and a mix of red and black cherry fruit—though it remains youthful and full of potential. On the palate, it strikes a beautiful balance between power and elegance, finishing long, fresh, tangy, and plummy.

2021

Omega Road Winery

Cabernet Franc

Harvested from the Cresta Blanca and Ghielmetti vineyards, this wine was aged for 34 months in twice-used American and French oak. Alluring aromatics lead with red and black currant, sage, dried spearmint, and new wood cedar. Medium-bodied on entry, with saline minerality framing a juicy, savory black-fruited core. Firm tannins and a touch of olive tapenade carry through to the lengthy finish.

2021

Rosa Fierro Cellars

Big Daddy, White Cat Vineyard, Cabernet Franc

The Big Daddy 100% Cabernet Franc from White Cat Vineyard in Livermore Valley is all Clone 5 (French 311), aged for 33 months in neutral and once-used French oak. And wow—is it ever a big daddy. Bold, bodacious, and bursting at the seams, with supple, juicy plum-like tannins that open to reveal ripe black currant, spiced plum, rich tobacco, cedar, and mocha. The long, spicy finish pops with a heady flash of smoked paprika before demanding another big sip.

2021

Ryan William Vineyard

Ryan William Vineyard Cabernet Franc

Harvested from 20-year-old vines grown on the Ryan William Vineyard, located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes. Fermented on the skins, then pressed and aged in a mix of new, used, and neutral French oak barrels. This is a lovely, well-built, red-fruited expression of Cabernet Franc with juicy pomegranate-seed tannins and lingering baking spice notes that perfume the medium-length finish. It opens with great fruit intensity and energy, though it tapers slightly toward the end—but remains thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

2022

Carr Winery

Cabernet Franc

This Cabernet Franc comes from two vineyards—Rossi Vineyard and Camp Four Vineyard—and includes 20% whole-cluster fermentation. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was pressed and aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. It’s a meaty, herbaceous, full-throttle Cabernet Franc with chunky tannins and chalky minerality. The palate has real grit. I’m convinced this would be the perfect pairing for the burger at Charter Oak in St. Helena—a smash burger with two patties, jalapeño relish, and white American cheese. That’s exactly where you want to go with this wine.

2022

Darcie Kent Estate Winery

Stone Patch Cabernet Franc

A blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec from Stone Patch Vineyard, aged for 21 months in French oak. This is a coiled, energetic, and currant-driven Cabernet Franc, marked by zesty acid tension and intensely tart, grippy tannins that resolve beautifully through a streak of blood orange acidity. Pressed wildflowers and crushed cocoa nibs add intrigue, while white pepper and dried sage fuel the long, savory finish.

2022

Fenestra Winery

Cabernet Franc

This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from the Lucky 8 and historic Ravenswood vineyards, and was aged for 18 months in 20% new French oak. Pretty rose petal and black currant notes lift from the glass, layered with river stone and tobacco leaf nuances. Juicy and medium-bodied on entry, with graphite-laced red-toned fruit carried by zesty blood orange acidity. A dusty tannin backbone supports the long finish, which lingers with hints of Earl Grey tea and vanilla bean.

2022

Glenora Wine Cellars

Cabernet Franc

From Seneca Lake’s first winery, this 2022 Cabernet Franc offers ripe cherry fruit laced with cedarwood and vanilla accents builds intrigue, while savory notes of tobacco and earth are framed by robust, mineral-laced tannins. Pomegranate seed-like acidity adds a crunchy, juicy brightness that carries through the tangy, refreshing finish.

2022

Las Positas Vineyards

Estate Cabernet Franc

This is a super savory and focused red, offering notes of black olive tapenade, black truffle charcuterie, and a hint of red licorice. Wet river stone minerality and blood orange acidity add lift, all supported by crisp, focused tannins. Medium- to full-bodied, with building intensity that carries through to a satisfying finish.

2022

Macari Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

100% Cabernet Franc, destemmed with a 15-day maceration on the skins, then aged 15 months in neutral French oak. This is a powerful, black-fruited expression layered with red berry brightness, black olive, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Firm, taut, mineral-laced tannins provide structure, while the finish lingers with wild herbs and dusty, grippy nuances that underscore the wine’s depth and seriousness.

2022

McGrail Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

This 100% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, comes from Clone 11 (French 214) grown at Lucky 8 Vineyard in the southeastern portion of the Livermore Valley. The wine explodes from the glass with bold oak overtones framing blackberry and spiced plum fruit. It’s a meaty, heady wine layered with loamy earth, pressed violets, soft, supple tannins, and loads of juicy character. This is your burger Cabernet Franc—some for the meat on the grill, the rest for the glass.

2022

Milea Estate Vineyard

Cabernet Franc (Farmhouse Collection)

A blend of fruit from Long Island and the Hudson Valley, aged in 10% new French oak (confirm via tech sheet). This is a well-knit, expressive Cabernet Franc showing both red and black fruit, with cedarwood and graham cracker spice layered over sagebrush and tobacco leaf aromatics. The medium-bodied palate carries those same notes forward, supported by fine-grained, cohesive tannins and finishing with a lift of cocoa powder, blood orange, and raspberry fruit.

2022

Milea Estate Vineyard

Reserve Cabernet Franc

A very elegant Cabernet Franc with a muscular framework of robust, velvety tannins. Bright, pure red berry fruit leads the way, with crunchy cherry and apple-like nuance. Hints of dark salted chocolate thread from the nose through to the tannins, carrying into a mouthwatering, acid-driven finish.

2022

Rhinory

Keras Collection Cabernet Franc

The aromatics lead with red berry fruit and capsicum notes, while the medium-bodied palate shows firm, mineral-laced tannins and more tart berry fruit. It’s an ideal wine to serve alongside spicy Mexican cuisine or peppery brisket.

2022

Siboney Cellars

Lahey Vineyards, Cabernet Franc

From Lahey Vineyard in the Texas High Plains, this is 100% Cabernet Franc aged in 30% new French oak. Just 250 cases made. Candied red-berry fruit and brown baking-spice notes lead, joined by hints of coriander and cumin that build across the medium-bodied palate. Smoky clove and a streak of blood-orange acidity (with just a touch of grapefruit pith) add lift and detail. Taut, firm tannins resolve nicely on the finish.

2022

Steven Kent Winery

Cabernet Franc

Sourced from Ghielmetti Vineyard, this Cabernet Franc was fermented in multiple open-topped 1.75-ton bins, punched down for extraction, and aged in neutral French oak puncheons. It’s just about everything you want from a New World Cabernet Franc—and distinctly different from anything you’ll find in Napa or elsewhere in California. Steven Kent Winery nails the balance: beautifully ripe and pure currant and plum fruit, accented—never overwhelmed—by sage, mint, and eucalyptus, all woven around tobacco leaf notes. The medium-bodied palate builds with intensity, framed by refined tannins that are firm yet inviting, with a suppleness in the 2022 vintage that’s hard to beat. Round and gentle, it glides into a long, nuanced finish layered with black sea salt, crushed sage, and bright thyme. You won’t want to put this down—and honestly, you’d better pair it with herb-dusted pork loin (or be damned).

2022

Steven Kent Winery

Ghielmetti VIneyard Cabernet Franc

This is a barrel selection of the 2022 Cabernet Franc, sourced entirely from Ghielmetti Vineyard. Compared to the larger production bottling, it offers more heft and structure, with firmer tannins and a deeper mid-palate. Notes of dried herbs, a pop of fennel, and the earthy scent of a redwood forest after rain give the wine a savory, umami-rich character. Red and black fruit carry through the finish, layered with black truffle and graphite minerality. Spectacularly balanced, complex, and remarkably approachable—even now—yet built with the bones to age gracefully for two decades or more.

2022

Usonia

New Suns Cabernet Franc

100% Cabernet Franc from the winery’s home vineyard on the west side of Cayuga Lake, currently in conversion to biodynamics. Hand-harvested, fully de-stemmed, with a spontaneous fermentation and three-week maceration. Aged in neutral barrels for 10 months and bottled in August 2023, unfined and unfiltered. This wine delivers terrific dark berry fruit concentration—think mulberry and cherry compote—layered with fine cedarwood, star anise, and violet aromatics. Earthy undertones emerge as the wine builds, anchored by soaring tannins and bracing acid tension that lead to a firmly grippy finish.

2022

Wood Family Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

This 100% estate-grown Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 27% new French oak and 8% new Hungarian oak. The nose is strikingly attractive, with dark currant fruit, tobacco, sage, and dried spearmint. Supple yet firm tannins frame a juicy palate with excellent phenolic grip and savory intensity. A gorgeous dried tobacco note carries through, evoking the fragrant dried ranch grasses that scent the Livermore Valley air on a warm summer day. That same aromatic intensity is captured in the glass—and it’s so very pretty.

2022

Wood Family Vineyards

Culmination Cabernet Franc

This 100% Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 36% new French oak barrels. Polished, poised, and profoundly expressive, it layers perfectly ripe black currant, muddled plum, and black cherry with remarkable precision. Medium- to full-bodied, with firm yet velvety tannins framing savory black fruit laced with sweet dried herbs and spearmint. Cigar box nuances drive the bone-dry finish, while a lift of blood orange acidity brings clarity and focus. It stands out among the most complex Cabernet Francs of my tasting in May 2025 in the Livermore Valley.

2023

Almost Famous Wine

Strong Silent Type Cabernet Franc

100% Cabernet Franc, aged for 20 months in French oak, this red leads with a bold nose of macerated cherries, black currants, and wet river stone aromatics. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, with supple, chocolatey tannins that are both rich and inviting. Layers of dark berry fruit follow, along with savory wild herb nuances and a spicy finish. Balanced, complex, and thoroughly appealing.

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Vintage

Wine

Type

Color

Rating

$

2020

Producer

Name

This Signature Series Cabernet Franc is sourced from Fort Miller Vineyard and was fermented as whole berries in a 5-ton open-top fermenter, then aged for 22 months in 30% new French oak. It’s a beautifully expressive wine with aromas of rose petal and rose stem, complemented by vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, it offers layered notes of tobacco leaf, allspice, and sage, all supported by powerful, grippy tannins that give it structure and age-worthy depth.

2020

Producer

Name

Harvested from 40-year-old vines grown on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes, this wine was fermented on the skins, then pressed and aged in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. Dark-fruited and structured, it delivers robust tannins and juicy acid tension that drive a spicy, medium-bodied finish.

2020

Producer

Name

As is often the case with Reserve bottlings of Cabernet Franc from New York State, this wine delivers greater volume and a satiny texture. It offers a layered mix of red and black fruit nuances, with notes of tobacco, cedarwood, and crushed cacao nibs emerging on the juicy, earth-driven finish. Sourced from 20-year-old vines at Ryan William Vineyard on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes, the fruit was fermented on the skins, then pressed and aged in a combination of new, used, and neutral French oak barrels.

2021

Producer

Name

This Cabernet Franc comes from the rain-soaked 2021 vintage—a challenging year when July rains arrived early and lingered. As is typical of the vintage, the wine is on the lighter side, with owner David Pittard noting it reflects the Finger Lakes’ acid-driven, leaner style. Red cherry and plum fruit lead the nose, accented by coriander, cumin, and cedarwood spice. On the palate, ripe, firm tannins support notes of crunchy pomegranate seed and a fresh, elegant frame. Fermented in stainless steel and open-top one-ton bins (inoculated), then aged in mostly neutral French oak barrels.

2021

Producer

Name

This 100% Cabernet Franc was aged for 18 months in 50% new Hungarian and French oak. Sourced entirely from Clone 1 vines at White Cat Vineyard in the Livermore Valley AVA. A pretty and elegant expression of Cabernet Franc, offering a refined nose of currant fruit, tobacco, turned earth, and dried wildflowers. Medium-bodied on entry, with a wealth of juicy currant and spiced plum fruit, layered with fine tobacco, hints of vanilla, and pops of new cedarwood, all framed by expressive acidity on the refreshing finish.

2021

Producer

Name

Aged for 20 months in 30% new European oak, this Cabernet Franc from Garre Vineyard is savory, meaty, and zesty. It opens with crunchy currant fruit, tobacco, loamy earth, and crushed violets. Medium-bodied on the palate, with more juicy, ripe currant, smoked paprika, and black sea salt, all framed by superfine tannins and a succulent black truffle and charcuterie finish.

2021

Producer

Name

This 2021 Cabernet Franc from Garré was aged for 20 months in 33% new Eastern European oak. It’s a very pretty wine—soft, approachable, and full of charm—with black currant fruit, cola notes, and hints of underbrush building across the medium-bodied palate. Gentle tannins glide into a long finish marked by black sea salt, Earl Grey tea, and pressed violets. A gentle giant, and all too easy to drink.

2021

Producer

Name

Murrieta’s Well’s Cabernet Franc was fermented in stainless steel tanks with pneumatage twice daily, then aged for 19 months in 60% new French oak and 40% used French oak barrels. Refined, focused, and medium-bodied with suave tannins and expressive black currant fruit, it carries notes of mocha and blood orange-like acidity on a finish marked by dried wild herbs and rich baking spices. There’s a lovely sweetness to the bold fruit, balanced by savory herbal tones and subtle tobacco character.

2021

Producer

Name

The 2021 Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Franc from Livermore Valley is a dark-toned, bold, and fragrant red, showing classic Cabernet Franc character with high-toned dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and black currant fruit. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with superfine tannins and layers of spice, including a smoked paprika nuance throughout. Juicy currant fruit fills the mid-palate with good density while staying light on its feet. Finishes long with a mineral edge. A rocking Cab Franc from this producer.

2021

Producer

Name

Exclusive to wine club members, this red is sourced from the highly regarded Ghielmetti Vineyard. The nose is already compelling, offering warm spices, tobacco notes, and a mix of red and black cherry fruit—though it remains youthful and full of potential. On the palate, it strikes a beautiful balance between power and elegance, finishing long, fresh, tangy, and plummy.

2021

Producer

Name

Harvested from the Cresta Blanca and Ghielmetti vineyards, this wine was aged for 34 months in twice-used American and French oak. Alluring aromatics lead with red and black currant, sage, dried spearmint, and new wood cedar. Medium-bodied on entry, with saline minerality framing a juicy, savory black-fruited core. Firm tannins and a touch of olive tapenade carry through to the lengthy finish.

2021

Producer

Name

The Big Daddy 100% Cabernet Franc from White Cat Vineyard in Livermore Valley is all Clone 5 (French 311), aged for 33 months in neutral and once-used French oak. And wow—is it ever a big daddy. Bold, bodacious, and bursting at the seams, with supple, juicy plum-like tannins that open to reveal ripe black currant, spiced plum, rich tobacco, cedar, and mocha. The long, spicy finish pops with a heady flash of smoked paprika before demanding another big sip.

2021

Producer

Name

Harvested from 20-year-old vines grown on the Ryan William Vineyard, located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes. Fermented on the skins, then pressed and aged in a mix of new, used, and neutral French oak barrels. This is a lovely, well-built, red-fruited expression of Cabernet Franc with juicy pomegranate-seed tannins and lingering baking spice notes that perfume the medium-length finish. It opens with great fruit intensity and energy, though it tapers slightly toward the end—but remains thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

2022

Producer

Name

This Cabernet Franc comes from two vineyards—Rossi Vineyard and Camp Four Vineyard—and includes 20% whole-cluster fermentation. Once fermentation was complete, the wine was pressed and aged for 20 months in French oak barrels. It’s a meaty, herbaceous, full-throttle Cabernet Franc with chunky tannins and chalky minerality. The palate has real grit. I’m convinced this would be the perfect pairing for the burger at Charter Oak in St. Helena—a smash burger with two patties, jalapeño relish, and white American cheese. That’s exactly where you want to go with this wine.

2022

Producer

Name

A blend of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec from Stone Patch Vineyard, aged for 21 months in French oak. This is a coiled, energetic, and currant-driven Cabernet Franc, marked by zesty acid tension and intensely tart, grippy tannins that resolve beautifully through a streak of blood orange acidity. Pressed wildflowers and crushed cocoa nibs add intrigue, while white pepper and dried sage fuel the long, savory finish.

2022

Producer

Name

This 100% Cabernet Franc comes from the Lucky 8 and historic Ravenswood vineyards, and was aged for 18 months in 20% new French oak. Pretty rose petal and black currant notes lift from the glass, layered with river stone and tobacco leaf nuances. Juicy and medium-bodied on entry, with graphite-laced red-toned fruit carried by zesty blood orange acidity. A dusty tannin backbone supports the long finish, which lingers with hints of Earl Grey tea and vanilla bean.

Vintage

Wine

Type

Rating

$

2024

2024 Buttonwood Grove Winery Cabernet Franc Pét-Nat

Sparkling Wine

$

2024

2024 Fox Run Vineyards Cabernet Franc

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Keuka Springs Blanc de Cabernet Franc Mendall Rose

Still Wine

$

2024

2024 Macari Vineyards “HORSES” Cabernet Franc

Sparkling Wine

$

2024

2024 Steven Kent Winery Cabernet Franc Blanc

Still Wine

$

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