2013 Constant Cabernet Franc Diamond Mountain Vineyard
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The 2013 Cabernet Franc from Oakville is another strong effort from Constant. This is a tiny production cuvée of only 95 cases. If you can find any, this is 100% Cabernet Franc, inky purple in color with loads of earth, volcanic notes, black fruits and tobacco leaf. It’s full, rich and potentially super-complex as it’s still almost like a barrel sample. This is a full-bodied, multi-dimensional beauty that should drink well for 15-20 years and be a big-time sleeper and surprise give it about 7-8 years time.
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Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Constant's 2013 Cabernet Franc is bold, intense and super-distinctive, even if it is quite open for a mountain Cabernet Franc. Rose petal, mint, blood orange and white pepper add shades of nuance as the 2013 shows off its class. The red-fleshed fruit turns more savory and powerful as the tannins emerge with air. Ideally, readers should cellar the 2013 for at least a few years, as any impression of early accessibility is more of an illusion than anything else.
The 2013 Cabernet Franc is laced with graphite, menthol, dark spices and new leather, with beguiling aromatics that are woven throughout. This is another wine that is going to need considerable time to soften. As always, Constant's Cabernet Franc is imbued with a real sense of place.