A few night’s ago, we had our adopted uncle over and drank our last wonderful bottle of Goodfellow Whistling Ridge CF (12 cases made in the history of the world). He is a life-long CA Cab Sauv fan who’s tastes have been slowly eroded by yours truly to lower alcohol/lighter bodied wines. On this particular evening he confessed a realization that he has come to prefer CF to CS (a lawyer in Florida is grinning right now). I have already steered him to several Loire CF, but he is also interested in domestic options.
So what are the board picks/favorites? Ideally, we’ll see some these this BD (including a repeat by T. Berkley).
Like Owlman, I love Loire CF and generally struggle with domestic CF. With that said, in addition to Marcus’ version I’ve enjoyed Division, Martin Woods and Kobayashi CF although none scratch the Loire CF itch.
It may be worth checking out some of the Loire CFs from more “solar” vintages. I know the 2018 Baudry (Croix Boissee) hit the spot for me, though they may not be the best to some of the CF traditionalists out there.
You might want to try Larry’s from Tercero. Had one the other night and it’s most assuredly Cab Franc - starts out with bell pepper notes on the nose and it’s classic style on the palate. Not woody, not big, could be a good intro to the grape for people who don’t know exactly what it is.
I have a bit from CA and WA, but if you’re looking for the Loire, just get the Loire and don’t bother looking elsewhere. But if you want to see what CA can do with it, that’s not a bad place to start.
Bigger styles would include Chappellet and Crocker and Starr. Both good but again, not the Loire.
Not sure what your price point is but the Loire recommendation is a very good one. Do you want a blend or all Cab Franc?
Domestic
Detert
Morlet makes one of the best domestic Francs but expensive
Lithology Crane Franc also expensive
Of course the Kobyashi, just had my first but expensive
Alpha Omega makes a reasonably priced Franc not too bad
Relic Prior
The price point at the moment is $30-40. I think he said domestic because that is what he has always bought. I suspect that he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know about the Loire options. I just ordered him several bottles each of 2017 Olga Raffault Picasses and 2021 Domaine Ogereau Anjou Les Tailles (who makes fantastic Chenin Blanc, BTW). Perhaps he’ll try those and be “ruined.” It sounds like that is the consensus direction to go anyway.
Truchard makes a very good cab franc from the Napa side of Carneros for $40. Cooler site for Napa, but you won’t mistake it for Chinon. It’s definitely its own thing, and I appreciate that the team at Truchard let the grape express its varietal character and they don’t push ripeness; the last few vintages have been right around 14.0-14.2.
If you like Loire style cab franc, Savage Grace from WA makes some of the best in the world. We prefer the Copeland bottling over the Two Blonds, but both are exceptional. Squeaky clean as well (no brett). Very reasonably priced.
Best value for a domestic Loire CF stand in is Division Wine Co. ‘Beton’ which is as close to a dead ringer for Clos Roche Blanche as you can get in the USA.
Verite La Desir is a cab franc dominant blend. Usually 80%+ CF. In good years, it is great, but sometimes inconsistent. And a bit pricy. But worth it for those great years.
Agreed Troy. Always have enjoyed Michael’s wines. They are not everyone’s cup of tea. They are very crunchy and not fruit bombs.
Another similar producer that would definitely make the Teeny Tiny wines of Washington would be Hoquetus in Walla Walla. Robert is a crazy man and was a great host when we visited. He is out by the airport.
