Paradigm
Oakville Cabernet Franc
Oakville, Napa Valley, California, USA
Fruity; raspberries and black currant; hint of oak; one-note but a good one
Fruity; raspberries and black currant; hint of oak; one-note but a good one
Sep 1st, 2015
09 vintage opened 1/9/15. Opened it way too early! If I could do it all over again, I'd wait until 2020. Firm, precise, a touch closed, even after 2 hours open. The mid-palate is hiding some beautiful things that are certain to blossom in the future. Dark fruits are hidden and overshadowed by firm tannins, both grape and barrel. Heavy and full, til we meet again!
09 vintage opened 1/9/15. Opened it way too early! If I could do it all over again, I'd wait until 2020. Firm, precise, a touch closed, even after 2 hours open. The mid-palate is hiding some beautiful things that are certain to blossom in the future. Dark fruits are hidden and overshadowed by firm tannins, both grape and barrel. Heavy and full, til we meet again!
Jan 11th, 2015Dusty, boozy blackberries, plum skin, and bell papers. Stems and all. Fine grit tannins. Loooong boozy finish. Huge.
Dusty, boozy blackberries, plum skin, and bell papers. Stems and all. Fine grit tannins. Loooong boozy finish. Huge.
Nov 22nd, 2013
Paradigm – Cabernet Franc 2009
Oakville, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸
Overview:
From one of Oakville’s benchmark estates, this 100% Cabernet Franc delivers the kind of depth and structure only Napa’s prime vineyards can produce. A bold yet refined expression of the grape, showing its potential well beyond the Loire style.
Aromas & Flavors:
An outstanding concentration of ripe red fruits, cherry compote, plum, and raspberry, interwoven with savory tobacco leaf, leather, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Subtle notes of dried herbs and graphite linger in the background, giving it a Bordeaux-like complexity with Napa ripeness.
Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and powerful with a rich, velvety texture. The tannins are firm yet polished, supporting a long, layered finish. Still vibrant and holding beautifully at this stage, showcasing the longevity of the 2009 vintage.
Food Pairings:
Perfect alongside grilled lamb chops, venison, or braised short ribs. Earthy mushroom risotto or truffle pasta would also highlight its savory elegance.
Verdict:
Superb Cabernet Franc with boldness, intensity, and finesse. A wine that reaffirms Oakville as one of Napa’s crown jewels for structured reds. Cheers!
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
2009 remains a standout vintage for collectors, this bottle is superb today but still has a few more years of life. Paradigm produces Cabernet Franc in very limited quantities, making it a gem worth seeking out and cellaring.
Paradigm – Cabernet Franc 2009
Oakville, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸
Overview:
From one of Oakville’s benchmark estates, this 100% Cabernet Franc delivers the kind of depth and structure only Napa’s prime vineyards can produce. A bold yet refined expression of the grape, showing its potential well beyond the Loire style.
Aromas & Flavors:
An outstanding concentration of ripe red fruits, cherry compote, plum, and raspberry, interwoven with savory tobacco leaf, leather, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Subtle notes of dried herbs and graphite linger in the background, giving it a Bordeaux-like complexity with Napa ripeness.
Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and powerful with a rich, velvety texture. The tannins are firm yet polished, supporting a long, layered finish. Still vibrant and holding beautifully at this stage, showcasing the longevity of the 2009 vintage.
Food Pairings:
Perfect alongside grilled lamb chops, venison, or braised short ribs. Earthy mushroom risotto or truffle pasta would also highlight its savory elegance.
Verdict:
Superb Cabernet Franc with boldness, intensity, and finesse. A wine that reaffirms Oakville as one of Napa’s crown jewels for structured reds. Cheers!
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
2009 remains a standout vintage for collectors, this bottle is superb today but still has a few more years of life. Paradigm produces Cabernet Franc in very limited quantities, making it a gem worth seeking out and cellaring.
2009 vintage poured in 2021. Not much fruit on the nose but soft tannins. My sister tasted gasoline in the finish.
2009 vintage poured in 2021. Not much fruit on the nose but soft tannins. My sister tasted gasoline in the finish.
Apr 4th, 2021I loved this bottle, decant for hour, dark rich, almost ink grade. Beautiful nose, of cocoa, and Caramel, some spice, earthy, minerals, it hit all the right buttons for me, silky smooth, with a long oak finish, fabulous!
I loved this bottle, decant for hour, dark rich, almost ink grade. Beautiful nose, of cocoa, and Caramel, some spice, earthy, minerals, it hit all the right buttons for me, silky smooth, with a long oak finish, fabulous!
Aug 19th, 2017
Good but light. Not the spicy cab Franc I was hoping for
Good but light. Not the spicy cab Franc I was hoping for
Oct 1st, 2015
