Tasting Notes

Dark currant and blackberry is dominant in the first sniff of the glass, followed by yummy cassis and a bit of gamy, roasted meat. With a glossy palate, this Cabernet Franc's typical green peppercorn notes combine nicely with a toasty cedar appeal-reminiscent of the planks used to grill salmon. Big fruit flavors counterbalance the leathery tannins on the tongue. This red changes a lot in the glass, so keep going back and see what else it has to offer. Drink now to 2009.

Winery Story

Early pioneers sought value and promise in California soils. Many wine pioneers, like Mondavi and Martini, hailed from Italy and sought California agriculture as a way to earn a living. Working the soils reminded them of their homeland—those early farmers invested heart and soul into the land, beginning in the Central Valley raising fruits, nuts, and grapes. Some began sending those grapes as juice back to their relatives in the East to be made into wine. Then, growers with foresight started fermenting the fruit into wine themselves, following the example of earlier entrepreneurs like Charles Krug. Krug was one of the first in Napa to make wine locally for consumption outside the region.

Zunessi Family Estates captures this rugged pioneering spirit of early farmers. Italian-named like many early settlers, their wines extract potential from lovingly tended vineyards throughout Napa Valley. The producers seek wines from people passionate about quality, with dedication and hard work. The intensity of flavor, depth, and richness in wines like their signature Cabernet Franc speaks to their passion.