2016 Cabernet Franc Rousten
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Tasting notes
The Rousten Cabernet Franc is part of the Historic Vineyard Series; Ridge holds back small amounts of wine destined for Monte Bello to be bottled on its own. Eric Baugher says, "We'll hold out a few barrels, like we did with this Cabernet Franc, for our customers and collectors who want to know what the pure expression of the Monte Bello Cabernet Franc is like. 2016 was a very tannic vintage, so this can be aged." The 2016 Rousten Cabernet Franc Monte Bello Vineyard aged 18 months in 60% new American oak. The nose is full of personality: warm mint chocolate, black and red cherries and currants, dried herbs and fried sage, charcuterie, peppercorn and cigar ash with nuances of pencil shavings, dried leaves and flowers and dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied, it floods the palate with savory, perfumed layers, fleshing out beautifully in the mouth. It has a firm frame of powdery tannins and great juicy acidity, finishing very long and very layered.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Cabernet Franc Ruston Ranch is a powerful wine that is going to need time to be at its best. There is plenty of character in the glass, but ultimately mountain structure dominates over truer varietal notes, at least at this stage. The 2016 is still in barrel, so it will be interesting to see where things end up.
About the producer
Best known for its iconic Monte Bello, Ridge Vineyards makes some of California’s finest wines – particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. Long a pioneer of sustainable farming and minimal-intervention winemaking, Ridge makes an extensive range from Sonoma County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.