2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

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93 Points & Gold Medal | Harvest Challenge
90 Points | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020
Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020

Tasting Notes

The robust, dark fruit of this Cabernet Sauvignon awakens with notes of poached plum, cinnamon bark, and mission fig. A stout yet velvety texture greats the palate as luxuriant notes of raspberry cordial, ripe black cherry, and tobacco accentuate the middle. The delicate yet savory tannins settle softly on an elegantly refined finish.

Vintage Notes

The 2017 growing season started out wet with record-breaking rainfall after several dry years. A mild spring led to a timely bud break and good fruit set, followed by ideal conditions of cool mornings and warm, sunny days throughout the summer months. A few days of intense heat at the beginning of September sped up ripening throughout the region. Well-timed picks meant the majority of the fruit was in by the first week of October. Beautiful color, well-defined aromatics, and outstanding flavor are all evident in this year’s vintage.

Vineyard Notes

We’ve sourced Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot from vineyards located 1,900 feet above Lake Sonoma in the Rockpile appellation. With only about 160 planted acres, Rockpile is also one of the smallest AVAs in the United States and its unique climate makes it an exceptional grape-growing region producing remarkable, concentrated fruit.

Winemaker Notes

All grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French oak barrels, 65% new. The wine is kept in a barrel for 20 months before final blending.