The third Cabernet Franc released in Lang & Reed’s distinctive Monograph Collection
St. Helena, CA, July 7, 2021 – Exploring the versatile character of Cabernet Franc, Lang & Reed Napa Valley launches the third wine from their coveted Monograph Collection, 2010 Bois Sauvage Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley. At only 21 cases produced, the exceptional quality of Cabernet Franc, from the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, married with a single barrel of very tight grain and lightly toasted wild oak barrel expertly crafted by Master Cooper Alain Fouquet. Sourced from wild oak trees in a privately owned forest in France, this special wood slowed the exchange of tannins and flavor without overpowering the fruit. With the tight grain extending the aging period of an incredible 32 months, the light toast and sap in the barrel imparted a vanilla-like sense of sweetness. This new barrel added an elegant structure and delicate sweetness. The name “Bois Sauvage” refers to the wild oak forest that no longer exists, from which this barrel hails. Bois Sauvage is also a double entendre, as the idea of putting new oak on this Cabernet Franc was a very wild idea in the first place!
The cool growing season of 2010 led to a later than normal harvest for Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, and it was the ideal vintage to use for this barreling experiment. The 2010 Bois Sauvage Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley displays a translucent, red robe color with delicately faded violet highlights. This leads to a bouquet of cherry-kirsch, rose petal, sandalwood, and dried fine herbs, and delicate top notes of anise and dark Swiss chocolate. The flavors are rich, full, and exotic with soft, mouthwatering flavors that show a hint of chocolate with overtones of vanilla. The wine finishes with a fresh herbal memory and persistent flavor. At over a decade old, it is drinking so beautifully that one would be inclined to enjoy it now. However, continued aging of this wine will likely reward you with even more elegance and crystalline beauty.
Inspired by the world’s finest Cabernet Franc and passionate about its home in the Napa Valley, Winemaker John Skupny raises the bar with his exclusive Monograph Collection. Every so often, among all the wines resting in the cellar, there is one barrel or one tiny lot of Cabernet Franc that sings out as something quite stunning, almost magical, setting it apart from all the others. Wines in the Monograph Collection have a story to tell, one that is theirs and theirs alone.
About Lang & Reed Napa Valley
One of the few wineries in Napa Valley to specialize in 100% Cabernet Franc, Lang & Reed’s wine producing Skupny family has been creating expressive wines that are enjoyable to drink since 1996. Winemaking is a form of storytelling for the Skupny family, and Lang & Reed wines tell a tale of a multi-generational family business and their wonderful wine-filled life together.
The Spring House, a historic Victorian that is now home to Lang & Reed’s tasting salon, is located right off the hub of St Helena’s Main Street, where Tracey, John, Reed and Megan Skupny offer intimate, appointment-only tastings that allow visitors to get to know the family behind the brand, while they impart their affection for Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc. To learn more about Lang & Reed Napa Valley, 2010 ‘Bois Sauvage’ and other upcoming wine releases, visit their website (https://langandreed.com/) and follow them on Instagram (@langandreed) and Facebook (@langandreed)).
