2009 THE SCRAPPER

This is a wine made for the open-minded, the adventurous and those who root for the underdog. It's Cabernet Franc from El Dorado California aged in used French Oak for 22 months; truly a Scrapper.

This concentrated pomegranate colored Cabernet Franc is rich with intense cassis notes and exotic spices like clove and sandalwood. On the palate, the concentration carries through with a sappy and juicy core of ripe black cherry fruit, dark chocolate and dark roast coffee notes. The wine finishes with round tannins which are approachable but well structured and will provide the foundation for ample aging. Enjoy now or cellar until 2022. This wine pairs well with nearly any grilled meat, but it is show cased well with marinated Flat Iron steak served with fresh summer vegetables or a salad served with an olive oil and tomato relish tossed in extra virgin olive oil, citrus and oregano with sea salt.

2007
Wine Enthusiast Magazine, April, 2011
92 Points
"A 100%-Cabernet Franc from mountainous El Dorado County! This wine’s crazy good with tons of varietal character — woodsy tannins, touch of green pepper, vials of violets — that’s also packed with plenty of great plum, cassis and savory notes of leather and mocha, all in a memorable package. With plenty of grip and acid, enjoyed over a meal, it gets better by the minute and has the depth to age 5 - 10 years, too." - V.B.

2006
The Tasting Panel, June, 2011
90 Points
"Smooth and silky with plum, spice and hints of smoke and mocha; sipple, dense and balanced with good length" - Anthony Dias Blue

2004
Wine Spectator, Web Only 2007
87 Points
"Ripe, supple and complex plum and black cherry fruit is intense without being heavy, with some ultraripe notes that provide a hint of raisin. Ends with chewy tannins. Drink now through 2011" - James Laube

2003
Wine Enthusiast, October 2006
93 Points, Editors Choice
"It really impresses for its dry finesse, a wine that exhibits true gout de terroir in the earthy, mushroomy flavors with their subtle hint of black cherries and violets."

Wine & Spirits, September 2006
89 Points, Highly Recommended
"Oak softens the earthy, mineral tones of El Dorado fruit in this smooth, smoky black wine. It feels tightly built, ready over the next several years for a grilled steak."

2006 San Francisco International Wine Competition
BRONZE medal