The 2021 Cabernet Franc, with 7% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2% Petit Verdot in the blend, is deep garnet-purple in color. A little shy to begin, it soon unfurls to offer glimpses at redcurrant jelly, rose oil, boysenberries, and wild blueberry scents followed by suggestions of pencil shavings and forest floor. The full-bodied palate is soft and wonderfully fragrant, with compelling tension and a long, mineral-laced finish

Chappellet's 2021 Cabernet Franc is quite floral on the nose, those hints of violets and sage blossoms adding a wonderful lift to the vanilla-accented cherries and raspberries at the core of the wine. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, with a long finish that's simultaneously dusty and mouthwatering, this is almost approachable already, yet it looks to have the potential to age well for at least two decades. The final blend is 78% Cabernet Franc, 7% each Malbec and Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot.

Looking first at the 2021 Cabernet Franc, this beauty is based on 78% Cabernet Franc, 7% each Merlot and Malbec, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Red and black currants, fresh figs, savory flowers, spicy wood, and some camphor notes all soar from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and outstanding length. This is a stunning Cabernet Franc to enjoy over the coming 15 years or more.

Aromatics and flavors with a mix of fresh Italian herbs, ripe juicy plum, graphite and light cocoa powder provide satisfying, mouthfilling flavor. Supple tannins and mouthwatering acidity carry into an impressively long finish in this generous and delicious Cabernet Franc accented by the full host of other Bordeaux varieties-Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

The 2021 Cabernet Franc is a ripe, flashy wine. Super-ripe red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and sweet spice abound. This extroverted, effusive Franc offers notable juiciness to match its exotic personality. The aromatics are especially wild. Dollops of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot round out the blend. Give this a year or two to soften.