ORIGIN: A key element of our Bordeaux blending program, Stacy Clark has reserved a small quantity of this expressive wine for a unique bottling, sourced from from three plantings of Cabernet Franc clones in our estate vineyards situated in the Oakville, Rutherford and Stags Leap District appellations.

VINEYARD: Since the early 1990s, we have conducted extensive clonal studies in various appellations for Cabernet Franc. Our vines are vertically trained and densely planted. The stress of this dense planting in well-drained areas results in smaller berries and more fruit intensity.

WINEMAKING: The fruit was hand harvested, cluster sorted, berry sorted and cold soaked prior to fermentation. The wine macerated on skins for 23 days and was then transferred to new and one year old French oak barrels. This wine was aged for 16 months and was bottled without fining.

TASTING NOTES: Attractive aromas of cherry and briar lift to reveal hints of vanilla and slight molasses, accented by tobacco and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the elegant 2004 Cabernet Franc is brimming with sweet, baked cherry flavors and suggestions of tobacco, steering toward an extended finish of ripe fruit and cocoa, firmed by slightly chewy tannins. This wine may be enjoyed now or cellared for five to ten years.

This vintage produced 188 cases and is available only through Pine Ridge.