Smith Story
Sonoma Valley Cabernet Franc
Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Today was my annual hosting of the Wednesday Wine Committee. There was 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert, all provided by me. Tasted blind, as always.
I served this blind as the first red out of four in a flight of all cab francs. Every person in the room guessed Pinot based on color, and it’s hard to disagree. Certainly more translucent in color compared to most dark Cab francs. Chinon like and as far as the style of the wine itself, I think it’s also Chinon at its core with just a touch of new world flare. Not sure I’ve had such a floral cab franc. Lavender and rhubarb and the finish did a great job of requiring you to get another sip to analyze. Nice complexity. Nothing vegetal or green about this. One of the lightest cab francs I’ve had, and pairs well with lighter style meats.
Today was my annual hosting of the Wednesday Wine Committee. There was 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert, all provided by me. Tasted blind, as always.
I served this blind as the first red out of four in a flight of all cab francs. Every person in the room guessed Pinot based on color, and it’s hard to disagree. Certainly more translucent in color compared to most dark Cab francs. Chinon like and as far as the style of the wine itself, I think it’s also Chinon at its core with just a touch of new world flare. Not sure I’ve had such a floral cab franc. Lavender and rhubarb and the finish did a great job of requiring you to get another sip to analyze. Nice complexity. Nothing vegetal or green about this. One of the lightest cab francs I’ve had, and pairs well with lighter style meats.
Still remains one of the best Cab Franc’s in America.
Still remains one of the best Cab Franc’s in America.
2 people found it helpfulNov 29th, 2018Ali Story, of Smith-Story Wines, was in town and did a nice tasting at Classic today. A pleasure to meet and very unique and enjoyable wines.
I’m tough on cab francs since I enjoy them so much, and I believe this is their first vintage of cab franc. Not sure I’ve had such a floral cab franc. Lavender and rhubarb and the finish did a great job of requiring you to get another sip to analyze. Nice complexity. Nothing vegetal or green about this.
Ali Story, of Smith-Story Wines, was in town and did a nice tasting at Classic today. A pleasure to meet and very unique and enjoyable wines.
I’m tough on cab francs since I enjoy them so much, and I believe this is their first vintage of cab franc. Not sure I’ve had such a floral cab franc. Lavender and rhubarb and the finish did a great job of requiring you to get another sip to analyze. Nice complexity. Nothing vegetal or green about this.
One of the greats if you love light bodied reds. Bright florals, gun powder, dried herbs and minerals on the nose. Exceptional fruit and a long clear finish. Need more :)
One of the greats if you love light bodied reds. Bright florals, gun powder, dried herbs and minerals on the nose. Exceptional fruit and a long clear finish. Need more :)
2 people found it helpfulFeb 26th, 2018
This is an extremely dark wine; light has a tough time passing through the glass. The nose is very savory, full of leather, minerals and bell pepper. It's a “heavy” nose, one that seems to convey a very full flavor. And so it is, but with a twist. Instead of the black fruit indicated on the nose, red fruit comes through on the palate in fairly bright fashion. The savory aspect is there, too, as spices drape over the flavor profile. I can imagine that something off the grill, smoked in rosemary, would be a perfect pairing.
This is an extremely dark wine; light has a tough time passing through the glass. The nose is very savory, full of leather, minerals and bell pepper. It's a “heavy” nose, one that seems to convey a very full flavor. And so it is, but with a twist. Instead of the black fruit indicated on the nose, red fruit comes through on the palate in fairly bright fashion. The savory aspect is there, too, as spices drape over the flavor profile. I can imagine that something off the grill, smoked in rosemary, would be a perfect pairing.
2 people found it helpfulFeb 17th, 2018
LynetteLandry had this 6 years ago
LynetteLandry had this 6 years ago
1 person found it helpfulApr 1st, 2018Oliver had this 6 years ago
Oliver had this 6 years ago
1 person found it helpfulNov 12th, 2017
Juicy bright fruity spicy ripe. Drinker.
Juicy bright fruity spicy ripe. Drinker.
Oct 11th, 2018