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Wine Recommendation
Graeser Winery
2003 Cabernet Franc, Estate(Diamond Mountain District ~ Napa Valley)
Situated on the eastern slope of the Mayacamas Mountains, the Diamond Mountain District AVA distinguishes itself from surrounding regions with its varied, sometimes quite steep hillside topography, residual upland soils derived from volcanic parent material, and marine breezes. It is here that Richard Graeser planted vines – Cabernet Sauvignon from a Chateau Montelena vineyard, Cabernet Franc from somewhere in Sonoma near Healdsburg, and Merlot whose origin is unknown.
Diamond Mountain wines tend to be more subtle than their valley floor neighbors, with firmer tannins and more evident natural acidity giving more defined structure. This is most likely due to the slightly cooler growing conditions. The Graeser Cabernet Franc gives a good argument for Diamond Mountain terroir. It is a bright saturated ruby and fairly viscous, with aromas of cherry, earth, and cedar. Big and strapping with notes of ripe cherry, earth, and pencil lead, this full bodied wine is well-structured with dusty tannins on the finish. It would be delicious with roast tenderloin of pork with sage and thyme, beef tenderloin with porcini mushroom sauce, or a leg of lamb stuffed with roasted garlic, feta, and basil leaves.
Reviewed April 11, 2007 by Catherine Fallis.
Other reviewed wines from Graeser Winery
The Wine
Winery: Graeser Winery |
The Reviewer
Catherine Fallis
Founder and President of Planet Grape LLC, a company committed to bringing the joy of wine, food, and good living into the lives of everyday people, Catherine is creator of the “grape goddess guides to good living,” a series of books, television presentations, seminars, and e-learning programs. The fifth woman in the world to become a Master Sommelier, grape goddess Catherine Fallis is still very much down-to-earth. |