2019 Purlieu Wines Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc

Purlieu Wines' name is a nod to the estate’s Coombsville AVA location at the edge of the Napa Valley. The operations team is made up of two of the region’s rising stars, winemaker Julien Fayard and vineyard manager Steve Matthiasson. Purlieu sources grapes from the famous To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, as well as the Martinez Vineyard in the Vaca Mountain foothills. Purlieu also leases a small vineyard in the Coombsville AVA. Purlieu makes Cabernet Sauvignon. Vinous has complimented the wines, noting that they are “made in Fayard’s signature style that seeks textural richness and intensity.”

To- Kalon is one of the most famous vineyards in Napa Valley, often called the first “grand cru” California vineyard. It has always inspired those who live near it. Native Americans called the area around it tu-la-halusi – meaning “beautiful land.” And later residents called it To-Kalon, Greek for “the most beautiful.” Originally planted by Hamilton Crabb in 1968, it today is owned by Andy Beckstoffer, the Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One. Beckstoffer owns the lion’s share, with an 89-acre vineyard planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer sell To-Kalon grapes to such acclaimed producers as Schrader, Paul Hobbs, Tor Kenward, Realm, Alpha Omega and the Morlet Family. Beckstoffer Vineyards, a vineyard management business, owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing acreage in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine.

This is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon. It most likely originates from Basque country. It is an excellent blending grape, known for making the exquisite Cheval-Blanc. Franc is a little hardier on a vine than Sauvignon, but drinks smoothly at the table.