Delectus

Knights Valley Cabernet Franc

9.025 ratings
8.73 pro ratings
Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Cabernet Franc
Exotic Spices, Baking Spices, Hard Cheese, Blue Cheese, Chili & Hot Spicy, Pungent Cheese, Potato, White Rice, Herbs, Tomato-Based, Pasta, Mushrooms, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Beef, Soft Cheese, Chicken, Lamb, Turkey, Pork, Duck, Venison
Top Notes For
Dana Hunter

Dana had this 8 years ago

Dana had this 8 years ago

1 person found it helpfulApr 29th, 2016
Meghan Hamilton

Wine Educator Joseph Phelps Vineyards

8.8

Still drinks like a very young wine. Dried violets, cherry, herbaceous.

Still drinks like a very young wine. Dried violets, cherry, herbaceous.

Jul 2nd, 2016
Jim McCusker

So, I’m of the opinion that Gerhard Reisacher’s sweet spot is Cabernet Franc. This 2009 isn’t quite as good as his 2007 - that is the best 100% cab franc I’ve ever had - but this is damn close. No trace of the bell pepper you typically get from people picking the fruit too early, this is a terrific wine with notes of something reminiscent of roasted chipotle pepper, black pepper, and currant. Medium-to-full bodied palate with a silky, mouthfilling feel leading to a lingering finish. This is nothing like a cab franc from The Loire - pure California - but a terrific wine nonetheless. Winemakers would do well to take lessons from Gerhart on how to handle this varietal.

So, I’m of the opinion that Gerhard Reisacher’s sweet spot is Cabernet Franc. This 2009 isn’t quite as good as his 2007 - that is the best 100% cab franc I’ve ever had - but this is damn close. No trace of the bell pepper you typically get from people picking the fruit too early, this is a terrific wine with notes of something reminiscent of roasted chipotle pepper, black pepper, and currant. Medium-to-full bodied palate with a silky, mouthfilling feel leading to a lingering finish. This is nothing like a cab franc from The Loire - pure California - but a terrific wine nonetheless. Winemakers would do well to take lessons from Gerhart on how to handle this varietal.

Jun 28th, 2020
David Dorn

Starting to fade but still enjoyed it! Very dense- more than I expected but good balance even if a little past its prime.

Starting to fade but still enjoyed it! Very dense- more than I expected but good balance even if a little past its prime.

Apr 16th, 2020
Eric

Solid wine. Crappy pic.

Solid wine. Crappy pic.

Jan 25th, 2020
Bryan Vogt

Still tons of red fruit - mainly cherry and currant. Some earthiness but I would not guess it was 9 years old. Feels young still

Still tons of red fruit - mainly cherry and currant. Some earthiness but I would not guess it was 9 years old. Feels young still

Oct 5th, 2018
Paul H
8.5

I would have thought a ‘09 would have been wonderful with the age on it. However this drank very young. Very ripe fruit on the nose. A bit of spice and licorice as well. More fruit on the palate with match sticks and dusty leaves. I mean it drank okay but totally not what I wished for with a Cab Franc.

I would have thought a ‘09 would have been wonderful with the age on it. However this drank very young. Very ripe fruit on the nose. A bit of spice and licorice as well. More fruit on the palate with match sticks and dusty leaves. I mean it drank okay but totally not what I wished for with a Cab Franc.

Aug 16th, 2018
GaryWEdwards

Lovely inky black cherry deepness. Rich offering

Lovely inky black cherry deepness. Rich offering

Apr 1st, 2017
Shane Tracy

Simply amazing! #NuffSaid

Simply amazing! #NuffSaid

Mar 13th, 2017
John Skupny - Lang & Reed Wine Company

John had this 9 years ago

John had this 9 years ago

Feb 19th, 2015