2015 Force de la Nature Cabernet Franc
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Cut from the same cloth as the 2014, yet more powerful and concentrated as well as unevolved, the 2015 Force de la Nature is one of the finest expressions of Cabernet Franc out there. Reminding me of a young 1998 Cheval Blanc with its massive core of dark fruits, chocolate, and spring flower notes, this beauty hits the palate with full body, ultra-fine tannin, a huge mid-palate, and a seamless, weightless texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s an incredible wine from this great, great estate. I loved these latest releases from Luc Morlet and family, and they show a sensational mix of classic, balanced, even old-school, characters mixed with killer California fruit. As a whole, the 2014s show more elegance and complexity, with the 2015s possessing more power and richness. These are rockstar wines.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Another highlight in this lineup, the 2015 Cabernet Franc Force de la Nature is super-impressive. Today it is the wine's rich, sumptuous fruit that is front and center. Time in bottle is essential in order for the Franc aromatics to start to emerge. Hints of orange peel and espresso appear in the glass, but the 2015 is not anywhere near ready to show all of its cards yet, and it won't be for a few years.
Produced from 100% Cabernet Franc from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, the 2015 Cabernet Franc Force de la Nature reveals a deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed mulberries, black plums and black cherries with touches of pencil shavings, tapenade, underbrush, moss and dusty earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and packed with vibrant red and black fruit flavors, framed by firm, grainy tannins and a lively backbone, finishing with wonderful length and depth. 100 cases were made.