2022 Cabernet Franc

96 Points Owen Bargreen

“The jury is still out on the overall quality and age-ability of Napa’s 2022 reds in general, largely because of the massive heat dome at the beginning of harvest, when areas including Napa and Sonoma counties experienced some of the hottest and driest days in the history of vine growing. But we uncovered plenty of evidence that good winemakers who made sharp harvest decisions and were in some cases willing to select out a large portion of the crop to increase the quality of the rest produced some excellent bottles. Arguing that case well are…Hertelendy…and several others. In many 2022s, we noted an abundance of ripe, juicy, red and black fruit character, often with a seemingly lighter, tangier texture than in a typical Napa vintage. This layered and richly textured wine is generous in dark fruit and oak spice flavors, but also bolstered by a rich foundation of fine-grained tannins that lend a big mouthfeel. Ultra-ripe and indulgent notes of blueberry syrup meld with milk chocolate, dried cranberries and vanilla bean on the palate. Full-bodied. Drink or hold.” — James Suckling