2007 Chatter Creek Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc, the “cousin” to Cabernet Sauvignon, is widely grown

in France. In Bordeaux, it is traditionally used for blending. In the

Loire Valley, it is famous as Chinon. In the United States, it has, until

recently, been used mostly as a blending wine, to add brightness to the

palate and nose of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Now more people

have been enjoying the wine on its own.

The 2007 Cabernet Franc is the eighth vintage bottled by Chatter

Creek. This vintage produced very elegant fruit that had plenty of

“hang time.” In the vineyard, conditions were dry, but not so hot as to

bake out the finesse; the resulting maturity is evident in the fruit and

balance of the wine.

The nose shows aromas of blueberry, cranberry, cassis, and peppers.

The mouth feel is clean and ripe, with youthful pie-cherry and red

berry flavors that are unencumbered by oak. The tannins are well

managed, and the finish is fruity, velvety and lingers for quite some

time.