2012 Vineyard 29 Cabernet Franc
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Vineyard 29 has introduced a Cabernet Franc from their estate. The 2012 Cabernet Franc 29 Estate (96% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon) is excellent. There are some blue and black fruits, forest floor and floral notes. It is medium-bodied, but doesn’t have the staying power and finish that I’ve seen in the greatest Cabernet Francs, the likes of Luc Morlet and others in Napa Valley.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2012 Cabernet Franc 29 Estate shows plenty of hillside structure along with the intense power winemakers Keith Emerson and Philippe Melka sought during this time. Ultimately, this is a wine of site and producer style, as varietal character is somewhat obscured by those two factors. I would prefer to drink the 2012 sooner rather than later, as the aromatics are maturing. My impression is that tannins will never truly soften here.