Cabernet Franc is a well-kept secret in Napa Valley, with few winemakers pursuing it in the cellar as a standalone wine. Cabernet Franc is traditionally integrated in Left or Right Bank Bordeaux-style blends, or dosed into Cabernet Sauvignon for richness in flavor and color. A few years ago, our winemaker Jim Close was orchestrating our Paramount proprietary red blend for the 2009 vintage when he was struck by the Cabernet Franc. Its plush, silky elegance was effortless. He saw in our Cabernet Franc not only its ability to compliment the beauty of others, but the potential to be revered independently as well.
Gamble has bottled a limited production of the wine from that day forward. When making our Cab Franc, Jim employs great care in gently extracting color, flavor and tannin from the skins. When it’s time, the must is lightly pressed and transferred to French barrels to start the 20 month aging process. By the time it touches your lips, it’s a wine that’s revealed itself to be one of elegance and distinction, ready to be adored all on its own.