Paloma just released a cab franc for I believe the first time ever. Curiously, it’s a blend of 3 vintages (2018, 19, 21).
Anyone tasted this? Or have more info?
From Paloma:
Our long-awaited and much-anticipated Cabernet Franc is here!
This special wine marks a significant moment for us here at Paloma Vineyard. After four years since the Glass Fires that devastated Napa, and the absence of our 2020 vintage, we are thrilled to introduce this unique addition to our collection. Crafted with passion and expertise by our winemaker, Sheldon Richards, this Cabernet Franc is a blend of 2018, 2019, and 2021 harvests, capturing the essence of our estate’s northeastern terraces.
With only 196 cases produced—please accept our sincerest apologies for the incorrect count on the original release email—this is truly a limited release. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to secure your bottles before they’re gone.
We deeply appreciate your support and can’t wait for you to taste this labor of love.
I’m interested too!
It sounds like these are new vines that just recently have come on-line, but not entirely sure about that.
I’m not sure about the long term plans for the cab franc- will it be used for blending in the Merlot or Cab Sauv? Eventually just be its own bottling? Will Paloma debut a flagship BDX blend?
I know the Merlot usually has approx 10% cab in the blend & the Cab has a similar amount of Merlot.
Disappointed Sheldon blended 3 vintages, but I’m sure there was a reason behind that choice.
I was there in June and I asked to try it, but I don’t think it was bottled yet. I left with three bottles each of the most recent merlot and Cabernet release. I’ve always enjoyed their wines, although the winemaking can be a little variable from vintage to vintage.
Interesting story. Several years ago I was there drinking with him and told him I thought he should make a Bordeaux blend and name it in his mother’s honor, an ode to Barbara. A couple years later, he released the wine called Ode to Barbara. I haven’t had a chance to try it yet and hope to get to someday as I think I had a hand in that
