Crocker & Starr
St. Helena Cabernet Franc
St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA
My cab franc binge continues, and this one ranks among the best Cab francs I've ever had. @Carl Fischer and I are "cab franc nerds" (a smaller group of the Wine Nerd Herd crew 😂), and we agreed to introduce each other to our favorite cab francs. This was my first from his batch and I wonder if the bar is now set too high! If I had to summarize this wine, it would be that everything is in sync. All the pieces feel well aligned and brought together appropriately. Initially, I want to talk about the nose...that oiled leather, pepper, currants and vanilla, but then I go back to the beautiful acidity, texture, medium bodied, rush of blackberries, plum and floral notes. I keep going back and forth. Feel like that's the signature of a great wine...you can't decide which component is your favorite. @Pam Starr , this is a beautiful wine. Carl, you are off to a hot start my friend. Looking forward to seeing how the Detert shows!
My cab franc binge continues, and this one ranks among the best Cab francs I've ever had. @Carl Fischer and I are "cab franc nerds" (a smaller group of the Wine Nerd Herd crew 😂), and we agreed to introduce each other to our favorite cab francs. This was my first from his batch and I wonder if the bar is now set too high! If I had to summarize this wine, it would be that everything is in sync. All the pieces feel well aligned and brought together appropriately. Initially, I want to talk about the nose...that oiled leather, pepper, currants and vanilla, but then I go back to the beautiful acidity, texture, medium bodied, rush of blackberries, plum and floral notes. I keep going back and forth. Feel like that's the signature of a great wine...you can't decide which component is your favorite. @Pam Starr , this is a beautiful wine. Carl, you are off to a hot start my friend. Looking forward to seeing how the Detert shows!
Mar 11th, 2017
One of my favorite Cab Franc producers - consistently delivers on quality.
One of my favorite Cab Franc producers - consistently delivers on quality.
Nov 7th, 2015Young with lots of promise. Very tempting to drink now. Nice balance, structure, fruit, firm tannins.
Young with lots of promise. Very tempting to drink now. Nice balance, structure, fruit, firm tannins.
Jun 19th, 2015
Always stylish - loamy warm fruit exotic - very tempered -
Always stylish - loamy warm fruit exotic - very tempered -
Feb 19th, 2015
This is developing into a stunning wine. Dark berries, dried herbs, and slight minty flavor on the finish. Nose has a wonderful leather note. Acidity keeps your mouth watering, and tannins are are in a good place for me but may be considered slightly aggressive. I'll give the rest I have more time to see where this goes.
This is developing into a stunning wine. Dark berries, dried herbs, and slight minty flavor on the finish. Nose has a wonderful leather note. Acidity keeps your mouth watering, and tannins are are in a good place for me but may be considered slightly aggressive. I'll give the rest I have more time to see where this goes.
Aug 21st, 2017
Great Cab Franc but definitely needed to chill to fully enjoy... Deep garnet color with bright ruby edge. Powerful aromas of mature and complex fruits -- black currants, raspberry, sweet black plum, and blueberry. Fresh violets and notes of cedar, sandalwood, red clay and fresh mint. A velvety texture with layers of red raspberry, cocoa, jasmine tea, tobacco, and ground black pepper. 2012 is a well-structured and balanced wine, though also needs to breathe.
Great Cab Franc but definitely needed to chill to fully enjoy... Deep garnet color with bright ruby edge. Powerful aromas of mature and complex fruits -- black currants, raspberry, sweet black plum, and blueberry. Fresh violets and notes of cedar, sandalwood, red clay and fresh mint. A velvety texture with layers of red raspberry, cocoa, jasmine tea, tobacco, and ground black pepper. 2012 is a well-structured and balanced wine, though also needs to breathe.
Classic soft napa fruit, with nice chocolate finish. Big. Delicious.
Classic soft napa fruit, with nice chocolate finish. Big. Delicious.
Apr 30th, 2015