Detert Family Vineyards

In 1953 Tom and John Garrett’s great grandmother purchased this Oakville vineyard, and, with the enduring support of their great grandfather, set up a grape growing business whose first and longerst term client was Mr. Robert Mondavi. For decades the Detert’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc featured prominently in the Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and more recently, in Opus One.

In 2000 Tom and John along with Bill Cover launched the Detert Family label. With the help of vineyard manager Mike Wolf, winemaker Tom, who works with Heidi Peterson Barrett as assistant winemaker at Revana Family Vineyards, turns out one of America’s best Cabernet Francs.

Cabernet Franc typically plays a supporting role in Bordeaux blends – to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the top two of the five allowed varieties (the others are Malbec and Petit Verdot). As a single varietal Cab Franc is, outside of the USA, most commonly found as Chinon from the Loire Valley, where it makes a bright, light, cherry-imbued wine for every day. Basking in the warmth of Oakville, this much riper, fuller version has the characteristic bright cherry notes along with the more Cabernet Sauvignon-like cassis, leaf, tobacco, mineral, and spice notes.

Reviewed October 4, 2006 by Catherine Fallis.