Vineyard: Ellis Alden Vineyard sits at an elevation of 1600 feet along the sun-drenched western slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains in the Alexander Valley. Isolated within a sprawling 4,000 acre ranch, the 200 acres of vines enjoy a pristine growing environment, above the fog line and sheltered from wind, frost, and negative pathogens. The Cabernet Franc is planted in volcanic soils on an extremely steep south facing hillside, stressing the vines and yet soaking up sunlight, producing tiny crops of incredibly concentrated grapes.

Vintage: The 2021 growing season began with a dry, cold winter but saw a swift rise in spring temperatures, fostering robust vine growth and successful flowering. Summer remained temperate, and the calm growing season and drought conditions enabled grapes to reach phenolic ripeness at lower sugar levels while preserving aromatics and bright acidity. Cabernet Franc harvest at Star Springs Ranch occurred on August 31st and produced a small crop with concentrated flavors, ideal conditions for a superb vintage.

Winemaking: Our Cabernet Franc from Star Springs Ranch was destemmed into one open-top tank, and was cold-soaked for several days. Fermentation started spontaneously with wild yeast and the must was punched down manually twice per day for two weeks followed by pressing and racking into barrel. The wine aged for 24 months in once-used French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: "The nose of this riper, fruit-forward Cabernet Franc shows juicy raspberry, plum and fresh-cut mint aromas. The palate is a lively affair, showing a balance between those punchy fruit flavors, a vibrant herbal component and a backbone of nervy acidity. 90 points." — Tom Capo, Wine Enthusiast