The Newest Wine to Join the Limited Monograph Collection
St. Helena, CA, January 5, 2023 – For over 30 years, Lang & Reed Napa Valley has been exploring Cabernet Franc, seeking out the rare circumstances in which all the elements line up to provide fruit that expresses the variety as they envision it. The brand’s Monograph Collection highlights this perfect combination of factors: unique terroir, stellar growing seasons, barrel selection, and strategic aging. The 2012 T-Bar-T Cabernet Franc is the latest to join this line-up.
Sourced from the T-Bar-T Ranch, a historic cattle ranch nestled into the rugged eastern ridgeline of Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley, this Cabernet Franc exhibits the harmony found in the ideal altitude, slope, and soil. Planted in 2007 with Lang & Reed’s preferred clone, Entav 214 of the Loire Valley in France, on rootstock 3309, this wine reflects not only the rugged nature of its terroir, but also the grace and elegance that is the charm of Cabernet Franc.
At ten years of age, this wine displays a sense of poise and maturity, yet with enough verve that makes it a great time to view Cabernet Franc. The initial aromas of fruit and berry have evolved into a bouquet of dried cranberry, sandalwood, dried flower, and a hint of powdered cocoa. On the palate, the bouquet is mirrored, along with a touch of earthy truffle and air-dried meatiness. The texture is luxurious and saturated, while retaining its vigor and mouth-watering freshness.
In 2012, winemaker John Skupny came upon this vineyard and felt it could have the potential to be a stand-out in his portfolio of wines. Block 17 at T-Bar-T is a 2.8-acre vineyard planted with a slightly east to west row aspect. The hillside planting enjoys a slightly cooler environment than the main stretch of Alexander Valley, which allows for a slower ripening season and longer ‘hang time’ for the fruit. Upon his first harvest, he decided to isolate four barrels and allow this wine to have an extended aging regime. Two new barrels and two once-used barrels [Sylvain Cooperage – Medium Toast] were employed for 32 months.
About Lang & Reed Napa Valley
Located at 1244 Spring St in St Helena, CA, Lang & Reed is one of the few wineries in Napa Valley to specialize in 100% Cabernet Franc and explore the distinct charms of Chenin Blanc. They have long been inspired by and passionate about giving these varieties an opportunity to shine – true to type, pure in flavor. The 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.
Spring House, an historic Victorian that is now home to Lang & Reed’s tasting salon, is 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, 2012 T-Bar-T Cabernet Franc and other upcoming wine releases, visit their website (https://langandreed.com/) and follow them on Instagram (@langandreed) and Facebook (@langandreed).
