2009 Cabernet Franc
Out of Stock
Vintage
The 2009 vintage produced bold, juicy wines despite the down production. The season started with a snapping frost season and weather conditions that were not ideal for pollination causing shatter to occur in many of the clusters around the valley. Titus Vineyards benefited from the long, moderate growing season in our valley floor location. With no true heat spikes to further along the harvest markers many were caught by the rain while waiting for sugars to rise. Here at Titus Vineyards, our last day of harvest was the exact day before the first rain. Yields were 30% down from a ‘normal’ year but the fruit was dark and flavorful.
Vineyard
Our family vineyard is located on 40 acres of Napa Valley floor just north of St. Helena on the Silverado Trail. It has well-drained, sandy, alluvial soils and is characterized by its ability to produce complex wines with well-defined fruit flavors, gentle acids and naturally balanced tannins. The vines benefit from their very even east-west exposure resulting in even ripening each year.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested in late October where they were promptly de-stemmed but not crushed, which allowed for increased control over tannin extraction by minimizing the possibility of broken skins and split seeds. After a 48-hour cold soak to extract optimum color and flavor, the grapes were fermented for ten days with pump-overs occurring twice daily. The free-run juice was then transferred to new and two-year-old French oak barrels where it underwent malolactic fermentation, followed by twenty months of barrel aging.
Wine Profile
Our 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Franc has an intensely deep ruby color. The complex nose offers aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, violets, crushed sage, bell pepper, peppercorn and oak spice. Well integrated, fine grain tannins give way to lush, mouthwatering flavors of currant, strawberry, and goji wrapped in black licorice, dark chocolate covered espresso and black tea. The finish is everlasting with sweet oak spice, toffee, and coffee. Recommended drinking time is three to four years from vintage. Maximum suggested aging is nine years from vintage.
Detailed Wine Information
Vineyard Manager: Eric Titus
Winemaker: Phillip Titus
Appellation: Napa Valley
Blend:
84% Cabernet Franc
11% Cabernet Sauvignon
4% Malbec
1% Petite Verdot
Harvest Date: 10/15/09
Barrel Aging: 20 months - 33% new barrels,100% French oak
Bottled: 07/13/11
Cases Produced: 618
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: .59 grams/100 ml
pH: 3.87
Release: October 2011
