2021 Hill Family Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California

ABOUT THIS WINE

Doug Hill enjoys producing Cabernet Franc so he replanted a few rows in the Beau Terroir Vineyard a few years ago. Cabernet Franc is a difficult grape to grow well and exhibits virus and site considerations more than other grape varieties. 2021 was another drought year with a short growing season and hot spells. Fortunately, the weather moderated a bit after September 30 to give us some hang time. We achieved 50% veraison on August 8, which was early for this normally cool site, and the grapes were harvested on October 16 at 27 Brix. After a few days of cold soak, the wine developed nice color with a slight herbal aroma. We fermented it with VQ51 yeast at 85o and pressed it at dryness after 2 weeks, then put it to barrel. After a year, we blended in a small amount of a nice fruity Malbec and a little Cabernet Sauvignon, then put it back to barrel for a total of 20 months. 

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

In 1981, Doug and Darci Hill settled down on an acre of land at the northern edge of Yountville. Their children, Ryan and Carly, grew up playing in the vineyards, tending chickens, and played baseball and basketball. They also helped their neighbors grow organic fruits and vegetables for the local restaurants including Thomas Keller’s world renowned French Laundry restaurant. For decades, the Hill Family vineyards produced high quality grapes for Napa wineries. Hill Family Estate produced their first wines in 2001, a Merlot and a red blend called Origin. Production ranges between 9,000 to 12,000 cases annually. Having a repertoire of 12 different vineyards to draw from they are able to select only the highest quality fruit for their wines. Today the Hill Family owns 120 acres of vineyards with a focus on Atlas Peak, Carneros and Oak Knoll. They are 100% family-farmed, family-owned and family-operated – growing fruit for Napa wineries as well as their own wines.