Gibbs
Ranches Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley, California, USA
Young. Fruit forward. Still for the value a nice option.
Young. Fruit forward. Still for the value a nice option.
Jun 26th, 2018
Personne had this 11 years ago
Personne had this 11 years ago
2 people found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2015
Gibbs – Cabernet Franc 2022
St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
From the family-run Gibbs Vineyards in St. Helena, this Cabernet Franc highlights the elegance and spice of one of Bordeaux’s most beloved blending grapes—here shown in its varietal purity. Napa Cab Franc often surprises with more refinement and lifted aromatics compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gibbs delivers a small-lot, estate-grown expression that captures both vibrancy and depth.
📌 Educational Note: While Cab Franc is often overshadowed by Cab Sauv in Napa, it thrives in warmer pockets of St. Helena, developing riper fruit while retaining its hallmark herbal and floral lift.
Aromas & Flavors
Bright red currant, blackberry, and plum mix with violet, dried herbs, and subtle graphite. Hints of green peppercorn, spice, and cocoa powder add a savory complexity.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple tannins, fresh acidity, and an elegant structure. The finish is long and precise, leaving echoes of red fruit, spice, and minerality.
Winemaking Notes
Estate fruit, carefully hand-sorted, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (about 25% new). The use of moderate oak keeps the wine’s floral, spicy character intact.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled lamb chops, or mushroom risotto. Goat cheese and herbed dishes (like rosemary pork or thyme-roasted vegetables) also highlight its savory side.
Verdict
A graceful, terroir-driven Cab Franc that proves Gibbs can coax both power and finesse from St. Helena soils. Balanced, fragrant, and polished—it’s a Cabernet Franc lovers’ gem in Napa. Cheers!
Gibbs – Cabernet Franc 2022
St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
From the family-run Gibbs Vineyards in St. Helena, this Cabernet Franc highlights the elegance and spice of one of Bordeaux’s most beloved blending grapes—here shown in its varietal purity. Napa Cab Franc often surprises with more refinement and lifted aromatics compared to Cabernet Sauvignon, and Gibbs delivers a small-lot, estate-grown expression that captures both vibrancy and depth.
📌 Educational Note: While Cab Franc is often overshadowed by Cab Sauv in Napa, it thrives in warmer pockets of St. Helena, developing riper fruit while retaining its hallmark herbal and floral lift.
Aromas & Flavors
Bright red currant, blackberry, and plum mix with violet, dried herbs, and subtle graphite. Hints of green peppercorn, spice, and cocoa powder add a savory complexity.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple tannins, fresh acidity, and an elegant structure. The finish is long and precise, leaving echoes of red fruit, spice, and minerality.
Winemaking Notes
Estate fruit, carefully hand-sorted, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (about 25% new). The use of moderate oak keeps the wine’s floral, spicy character intact.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with roast chicken, grilled lamb chops, or mushroom risotto. Goat cheese and herbed dishes (like rosemary pork or thyme-roasted vegetables) also highlight its savory side.
Verdict
A graceful, terroir-driven Cab Franc that proves Gibbs can coax both power and finesse from St. Helena soils. Balanced, fragrant, and polished—it’s a Cabernet Franc lovers’ gem in Napa. Cheers!
2020 - Bordeaux style - really good
2020 - Bordeaux style - really good
Feb 3rd, 20242017 vintage on June 2021. Hickory oaky nose. Young fruit pallet. Average dry body red.
2017 vintage on June 2021. Hickory oaky nose. Young fruit pallet. Average dry body red.
Jun 11th, 2021
Doesn’t say ranches on the 2017 I’m drinking
Doesn’t say ranches on the 2017 I’m drinking
Dec 26th, 2020
Ok. Lacks cab franc character. $20.
Ok. Lacks cab franc character. $20.
Jul 3rd, 2020
Earthy nose. Full body, strong tannins. Minerality that lingers with the tannins on the tongue. Would be nice with a rich cheese but also probably will mellow a bit with age.
Earthy nose. Full body, strong tannins. Minerality that lingers with the tannins on the tongue. Would be nice with a rich cheese but also probably will mellow a bit with age.
Nov 4th, 2018