03/24/2026
You may have seen this already — sending once more to make sure it reaches everyone...
Dear Friends,
A wine like this doesn't happen often. When it does, you know it from the first taste.
We have waited six years to release another Cabernet Franc. Not because we couldn't, but because we wouldn't — not until it fully lived up to what we believe this grape, this vineyard, and this winery are capable of. This is that wine.
For the first time, we are introducing a Special Release for our Wine Club: a small mid-season offering, separate from your regular quarterly shipments and reserved exclusively for members. These releases will be very occasional, very limited, and centered around wines too compelling not to share. This is the first.
We spent nearly a decade on a waiting list for this fruit. When we finally secured our first lot from Dutcher Crossing Vineyard, we knew it had to be worth the wait. The 2023 vintage is.
Just 43 cases were produced from a single puncheon. The barrel itself was custom made and toasted to our specifications by Tonnellerie Billon — commissioned specifically for this wine, crafted from Allier oak in the large-format style more often associated with top Burgundy than California Cabernet Franc. It is one of the smallest and most deliberate lots we have ever made. The wood frames the fruit with extraordinary gentleness, adding dimension and depth without ever obscuring the wine's natural character. Only 36 cases remain for the club.
Fermented with native yeast, unfined, unfiltered, and made with minimal intervention, this is a wine that speaks clearly and unmistakably of place. It opens with violets, blackberry, graphite, and cocoa. On the palate, dark berry fruit, gentle spice, and a clean mineral thread carry through a long, composed finish. The tannins are polished and refined — more finesse than force. We have been pouring this selectively in the tasting room, and the reaction has been immediate. More than a few guests have stopped after the first sip and said it was the best Cabernet Franc they had ever tasted.
Our last Cabernet Franc earned multiple gold medals and 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. This wine has even more depth, finesse, and composure. I am certain of it.
It is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve over the next 5–7 years. At the table, it shines alongside anything with depth and a little char: grilled ribeye, lamb chops, roasted mushrooms with herbs, or a lentil dish with earthy spice. Aged gouda or sharp chèvre round it out beautifully.
Once these bottles find their cellars, they will not be seen again. At 43 cases total, this is not a wine that will linger.
Release Details
Price: $75 | Your Member Price: $60
Allocation: 2 bottles reserved — though I'd personally recommend 3: one to enjoy now, one to cellar, and one to open at the table when the right moment arrives.
Given how small this lot is, we don't expect to offer a second release. If any bottles remain after allocations are confirmed, we'll let you know.
If you'd like to adjust your allocation to 3 or 4 bottles, decline this release, or make any other changes, just reply by March 30th and I'll take care of it personally. Requests for more than 4 bottles will be added to a waitlist.
Best,
Stew
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