Clos du Val – Estate Cabernet Franc 2014 – Stag Leap District, Napa Valley

The nose is fruity, very elegant, straight and offers a slight generosity. It reveals notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy blueberry and slight / discreet touches of cornflower associated with a hint of redcurrant jam as well as slight hints of liquorice and very discreet woody hints. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, slightly tight and offers a slight juiciness, gourmandise, a beautiful finesse, a slight straightness, tension, a silky matter, juiciness, a beautiful definition, a slight depthness as well as a beautiful minerality / freshness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry, fleshy plum and touches of juicy cassis combined with a discreet hint of crushed ripe red berries, slight touches of fleshy / juicy blueberry, touches of liquorice as well as subtle touches of dark chocolate, wood, a discreet hint of cedar wood and an imperceptible hint of caramelized oak. Tannins are fine and very slightly grainy. Good length. There is a subtle hint of dark chocolate on the persistence.