Also beautiful, the 2019 Cabernet Franc checks in as 100% varietal that was raised in 67% new French oak. Inky purple in color, with a brilliant perfume of raspberries, cassis, spring flowers, scorched earth, and graphite, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a terrific sense of elegance and purity, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and shine for two decades.
95 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Dec 2021)
Savory in black pepper, smoked meat and cigar box, this wine is high-toned aromatically, with lovely hints of violet and dried herb, sage and bay leaf. Mountain-sturdy tannins give it structure, power and room to age, with lasting acidity to keep it fresh. Enjoy best from 2029–2039.
95 points, Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2022)
This is soft and round with juicy fruit. Blackberry, stone and gunflint. Full-bodied with firm tannins and an intense finish. Opens at the end with savory character. Green olives. Drinkable now, but better in 2025.
95 points, James Suckling (Apr 2022)
The 2019 Cabernet Franc is fabulous. Rich, deep and soaring in its aromatics, the Franc is loaded with pedigree. Readers will find a potent, structured wine that needs a lot of time. The 2019 is a blend taken from both the W.S. Keyes and La Jota properties.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2022)
The 2019 Cabernet Franc comes 50/50 from the Keyes vineyard, with old vines dating back to 1976, and La Jota vineyard. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little subdued to begin, opening out to reveal notes of redcurrant jelly, fresh blackberries, and black cherries, plus hints of charcoal, underbrush, and red roses with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is finely grained with superb freshness and electric intensity, finishing with amazing length and shimmering energy. 788 cases were made.
94 points, Lisa Perrotti Brown, Wine Independent (Jun 2022)
Still based on Bill Smith's original block from the 1970s, plus some additional plantings, the 2019 Cabernet Franc Howell Mountain is 100% Cabernet Franc. Gentle florals and herbal notes of bay leaf and sage appear on the nose, adding savory complexity to the black cherries and red raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, silky, fine and elegant, this is a perennial favorite, drinkable on release and for a decade or more afterward.
93 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (May 2022)
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