A great effort and a showcase for Cabernet Franc is the 2012 Rapszodia. This is a blend of 90% Cabernet Franc from the heavy clay soils of their vineyard blended with 10% Merlot aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months and bottled without filtration. A stunning nose of acacia flowers, blueberry liqueur and blackberry is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine that’s amazingly intense, rich and concentrated, but surprisingly light on its feet weight-wise. The wine is full-bodied, but stunningly ethereal and sublime. This is a stunner, and a great example of what Cabernet Franc can do from a terrific terroir, great winemaking and élevage. Sadly, only 175 cases were produced. Look for this wine to continue to drink well for up to two decades.

The 2012 Rapszodia is wonderfully fragrant, aromatically nuanced and expressive. In this vintage, the Rapszodia is especially lifted, most likely the result of a very high percentage of Cabernet Franc in the blend (90%). Ripe, silky tannins support the gracious, precise finish.