2021 Mirror Cabernet Franc Sugarloaf Vineyard | Napa Valley California 750ml

98% Cabernet Franc 2% Malbec

Situated in the Southeast reaches of Napa Valley, on a slope of intense blue shale, boulders and fine gravel pockets, is the Sugarloaf Vineyard. The diurnal of cold mornings and warm afternoon sun is the absolute perfect setting for Cabernet Franc. This small lot of only 100 cases is aged in 75% new French oak barrels for 22 months and native malolactic fermentation completed by its first spring.
From the get-go, this wine is dark, brooding, and intensely opaque in the glass. It is a wall of black matter staring back at you. The nose is intense and deep, dominant with cocoa nib chocolates. This will be one of the classic Francs of the vintage and one of my favorites of the Bordeaux varietals to craft. The mouthfeel is polished and smooth. Purple mid-palate fruit pushes it's way though with the aid of fine youthful tannins and a tension to hold the structure together over a 15 plus stretch of time. The chemistry in the bottle begs to be laid down. This Franc is quite a welcome release and destined to be a standout in the MIRROR line. | Mirror Napa Valley

An opaque Imperial purple hue previews depth and intensity from the first glance. Movement releases a savory nose of dried lavender, espresso, and bittersweet cocoa that join with black fruit aromas of currant and mulberry. Fruit sensation on the palate is reserved and complemented by a gravelly texture. Finishing with cleansing tannins, a gentle lift, bringing the palate back to the patiently waiting second sip. | Falling Bright