Kelham | 2013 CABERNET FRANC, Oakville | Napa Valley

2013 Kelham Cabernet Franc

Oakville, Napa Valley

Tasting Notes:

The 2013 Cabernet Franc is a wild, soulful expression of Oakville's gravelly benchland terroir; a wine that rewards patience and punishes haste. In the glass, it pours a deep garnet with a violet rim, hinting at its brooding intensity and youthful structure.

The nose opens with a commanding bouquet of loamy earth, saddle leather, and dried lavender, laced with an intense, almost primal gaminess. Underneath, subtler and prettier notes of cassis and black currant fruit emerge; elegant counterpoints to the wine's wilder impulses.

On the palate, the tannins are attention-grabbing and firmly drying, framing flavors of olive tapenade, tanned leather, and tobacco leaf. With time in the glass, the wine quite literally wrestles with itself; pure fruit slowly pushing aside the harsher savory tones. As it opens, silky textures develop, tannins soften, and a chocolaty richness overtakes the structure, revealing unexpected depth and grace. The finish lingers with dried violet and lavender, pushing through with particular force.

Mouthfeel:

Structured and gripping at first, evolving toward silky and round with air; finishing with lingering notes of dark dried flowers, earth, and tobacco.

Pairing Suggestions:

Beautiful with herb-crusted lamb, duck confit, aged sheep's milk cheeses, or a slow-braised short rib; dishes that match the wine's depth and match its transformation.

Serving Tip:

Decant for at least 45 minutes before serving to allow its wild edges to soften and its extraordinary complexity to fully unfold.