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Where
the Cabernet Sauvignon is from widely spaced rows of vines running down
the hill, the Cabernet Franc is from tightly spaced vines planted in
terraces in the steepest part of the vineyard, at the very top of the
mountain. Yields are lower (especially per vine), and the resultant
grapes are small and very concentrated. This 2013 – like many 2013s – is truly something special.
Most
wine writers and winemakers consider the 2013 California vintage the
best ever. Certainly, this super-dark, rich and delicious Cabernet Franc
bears supports that assessment. At
14%, this is quite ripe by Albertina’s standards. But what impresses
most is the density and depth – the richer yet even more perfectly
balanced fruit and texture – that is so quintessentially 2013.
Indeed,
this one is so rich it’s a bit hard to identify as Cabernet Franc
(which is usually more “edgy”). Not
only the best Albertina wine to date; I’d go so far as to say this is
one of California’s most successful Cabernet Francs period. And an
outstanding example of what steep mountain vineyards can deliver.
