Got a chance to meet uber-cool Scott Palazzo the other day and taste his two fantastic 2006 offerings. The red is excellent but the Cab Franc is perhaps the best domestic example of this variety (100% anyway) that I have had.
Palazzo Wine Cabernet Franc Truchard Vineyard 2006:
There is a whole lot going on here- mounds of dirty cedar, tobacco leaf, tart red raspberries, pencil shavings, black plums, pure vanilla and a touch of oak. Smooth and delicate- a medium/big wine that is light on its feet. The sweet fruit is chewy and delicious. It is small production but if you can find it you should . . . if you ever get to the French Laundry it is on the menu there and on all his restaurants’ lists. 94 points
Palazzo Wine Proprietary Red 2006:
More fruit (black and red berry fruit) than the Cabernet Franc, along with some white chocolate, Christmas cake, espresso, roasted cherries and toasted oak. This is a very good wine but I think it is less complex and, more to the point, simply an elegant, whimsical wine. 91 points