2016 Detert Family Vineyards East Block Cabernet Franc

Detert Family Vineyards has a long and notable history in Oakville, even though Detert Family Vineyards wines debuted with the 2000 vintage. William Ferdinand Detert was a German immigrant who arrived in California in 1866 and opened a gold mine. By the beginning of the 20th century he had purchased 22,000 acres of ranch land in Lake, El Dorado and Amador Counties. His nephew Richard Detert – great grandfather of the current owners -- moved to the US in 1909 to help manage the property. In 1954 the family sold the ranch to purchase 50 acres of the legendary To Kalon Vineyard, renaming their portion Detert Vineyard. For the next 50 years the Deterts sold grapes to Robert Mondavi and other producers. Today the Deterts produce Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from their prestigious vineyard. The winemaker and co-founder is Tom Garrett who also makes wine for his Dakota Shy winery. The wines are generally available by mailing list only.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

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.