Conn Creek Winery: Napa Valley Wines
 

2003 Conn Creek Napa Valley Cabernet Franc Buy Wines

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Tasting Notes

This wine displays aromas of white pepper, dried bing cherries
and subtle vanilla. On the palate, balanced flavors of chocolate,
cherries and cream are encased with bright acidity and nicely
integrated tannins. The 2003 harvest produced wines of
substantial backbone and the Caberent Franc is no exception.
Although it is enjoyable now, this wine will also enhance with
two to three years of additional aging. Best served with
Morrocan lamb stew or beef tenderloin.


The Vineyards
  • The blend consists of four vineyard sources from subappellations of Napa Valley: 50% Collins Vineyard and 30% Carpenter Vineyard, St. Helena, 15% Stagecoach Vineyard, Atlas Peak, and 5% Tall Trees Vineyard, Yountville.
  • The unpredictable 2003 growing season started with a series of early heat spikes in May followed by the wettest April on record.
  • A long, cool summer season allowed the fruit flavors to evolve beautifully ahead of schedule and grapes were showing outstanding balance.
  • In September, heat spikes accelerated maturity development and moved harvest forward.
  • The early rains and late heat spikes contributed to lower overall yields, but despite the unusual growing season, the 2003 harvest produced a vintage of high quality, great color concentration and intense flavors.
The Winemaking
  • Handpicked fruit underwent 15% whole-berry fermentation to round out the tannins and retain optimal fruit expression.
  • Gravity racking was used to enhance the aromatics and bouquet.
  • The wine was barrel aged for 26 months in French oak barrels (40% new).
Heritage Of Acclaim
91 pts., Wine & Spirits (2002 Vintage)
90 pts., California Grapevine (2001 Vintage)
Four Stars Restaurant Wine (2001 Vintage)
Highly Recommended California Grapevine (2000 Vintage)
93 pts., Wine Enthusiast (1999 Inaugural Vintage)
Gold Medal San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition (1999 Inaugural Vintage)
Gold Medal Dallas Morning News Wine Competition (1999 Inaugural Vintage)
Gold Medal National Orange Show Pacific Rim (1999 Inaugural Vintage)

The Food
  • Grilled pepper steak
  • Leg of lamb
Past Vintages
The Stats
Blend: 100% Cabernet Franc
Total acidity: 0.55g/100 ml
pH: 3.49
Alcohol: 14.2%

 

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