From a producer that is well know for his Chenin Blanc (Leo makes 3 of them!) but one should not overlook his red wines. They are fresh, lively and their aroma and flavor transparent. No new barrels are used.
The 2016 Leo Steen Cabernet Franc Ascona Vineyard is one of those red wines. From a Vineyard at 2400 ft elevation in the Santa Cruz Mountains the wine was fermented in a open top tank, native yeasts and 20% whole cluster. The wine was aged 2/3 in a concrete egg and 1/3 in two year old barrels.
This is a very fresh, somewhat savory style of Cabernet Franc. Aroma of cherry, cedar, rose petal and herbs. Flavors are fresh black cherry, red plum, pomegranate, lavender and a herbal bitter Campari like note that knits the flavors together really well. Medium body, good acidity and some ripe tannin will allow this to age for a few years though it is nicely balanced already. If you like this fresh, mouthwatering style of Cab Franc I would drink sooner rather than later. We decanted for about 90 minutes before drinking over dinner. 12.5% ABV.
