2021 Ballentine Vineyards - Cabernet Franc Napa Pocai Vineyard
2021 Ballentine Vineyards Cabernet Franc — Pocai Vineyard, Napa Valley
Ballentine Vineyards traces its Napa Valley roots to 1906, when Frank Ballentine's great-grandfather purchased the Pocai Vineyard, a story that underpins the family's commitment to small-lot, family-run winemaking. The Pocai lineage also includes Italian immigrant ancestors who operated a bulk wine business in Napa before the estate embraced a modern, artisanal approach.
Pocai Vineyard sits on the southern edge of the Calistoga appellation, among Napa Valley's rockier soils. This warm site accelerates ripening and helps Cabernet Franc develop its tannins and flavors fully by harvest, yielding a wine with depth and refinement.
The 2021 release was aged in 75% new French oak, a choice designed to reinforce the wine's natural spice, build mid-palate structure, and enhance aromatic complexity without overwhelming the fruit.
The wine opens with ripe strawberry and cherry, complemented by earthy undertones and a whisper of warm clove spice. Its bold structure unfolds in layers, leading to a long, intricate finish that lingers with confidence.
Food pairing suggestions: grilled lamb chops, herb-roasted duck, or a sharp aged cheddar.