Crushed blackberry, acacia leaf, tight black currant. Goji berry, plucked rose petal, pitted dark cherry. Tobacco and dark roast coffee, bell pepper and fresh basil. A melange of hand picked wild berries tightly wound around dense espresso and hints of eucalyptus - lightly dusted with anise, nutmeg, vanilla, and cardamom. Sticky clay tannins highlight a youthful & muscular mouth-feel. This 2016 Leaning Oak Vineyard Cabernet Franc by T. Berkley Wines is brooding new-world juice from Carneros.

The cool climate growing region of Carneros is best known for producing high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but there are plenty of other noble grape varieties that thrive here as well. The Leaning Oak Vineyard, located on the Napa Valley side of Carneros, happens to be just warm enough to ripen Cabernet Franc. Here it has produced a highly structured wine with pronounced tannin and observable acidity. 18 months in 30% new French oak have slightly softened its sharp edges and worked to blend the broad black & red fruit notes with mocha and baking spice. A pleasant hint of pyrazines sneaks through to put a little bow on top and remind you that this isn’t Napa Cab Sauv. Not overly opulent but certainly far from Chinon, this wine should impress both your wine nerd friends and the in-laws alike.