Expanding Beyond the North Coast AVA Due to Wildfire Devastation
St. Helena, CA, September 7, 2021 – Inspired by the delectable versatility of Cabernet Franc in California for the past twenty-five years, Lang & Reed Napa Valley has released a new iteration of the beloved varietal, the 2018 California Cabernet Franc. Highlighting not only their mastery of this grape but also their resilience, this wine is the first to include vineyard sources from beyond the North Coast, a pivot due to the devastation of annual wildfires in their region.
With a goal of continuing to produce the highest quality Cabernet Franc worthy of their namesake, the 2018 California Cabernet Franc has been crafted with a blend of fruit sourced from some of their usual North Coast vineyards, along with Cabernet Franc found in the Sierra Foothills. The altitude and the red volcanic soils of the Sierras provide an ideal place to grow superb Cabernet Franc, fitting perfectly into the distinguished style of Cabernet Franc that Lang & Reed creates. This 2018 assemblage also includes grapes from the T bar T Ranch in Alexander Valley in Sonoma, as well as the famed Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in Napa Valley. Both of these vineyards are planted with the Entav 214 Cabernet Franc, an expressive clone hailing from the Loire Valley. When combined with the Sierra Foothill vineyard component, it offers a very broad palate of aromas and flavors that are rich and satisfying, and it displays the exuberant expression of Cabernet Franc that is typical from Lang & Reed.
The 2018 Cabernet Franc is a tremendously aromatic wine, with strong notes of cherry, blue plum and dried herbs. A hint of pine on the nose adds a balancing freshness. On the palate, the flavors follow with cherry, plum, and anise, along with an earthy note of ‘sois bois’ (forest floor). It is medium weight, and it carries a refreshing tartness with savory notes that slide into a long, smooth finish.
While the disastrous impact these continuous wildfires have had on the North Coast Appellation is unfortunate to say the least, Lang & Reed has gracefully faced this adversity and used it as an opportunity to celebrate the charms of Cabernet Franc across the great state of California. Navigating all the changes happening, one thing that hasn’t wavered is Lang & Reed’s commitment to producing the best Cabernet Franc.
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, 2018 California Cabernet Franc and other upcoming wine releases, visit their website (https://langandreed.com/) and follow them on Instagram (@langandreed) and Facebook (@langandreed)).
