2013 Mossik JouJou Cabernet FrancWhite Rock Vineyard, Napa Valley

The swan song

I knew in advance this would be the final vintage and I was determined to do right by this vineyard I’d been so fortunate to work with. After the harvest, the block housing the then 34 year old vines was pulled out to lie fallow and restore the vineyard. I’m not sure if it tugs more or less at my heart that it resulted in such a stellar wine.

The learning continues

While the 2011 and 2012 are definitely ready to drink now, I’m admittedly most excited by this vintage. It reads classically Cabernet Franc: tart and juicy cassis, tomato water, star anise with fine, firm tannins and just a hint of funk. It has that young wine vibrancy that’s so tempting to drink now, but will be rewarded by hands-off patience. The potential for glory is strong here. I’ve hidden my own stash from myself.