2023 Cabernet Franc

Farming:

Sourced from the Massa Estate Organic Vineyards located overlooking the Cachagua region of Carmel Valley in Monterey County.

The Massa vineyard is essentially dry-farmed. The roots of the vines descend deep in the loamy, sandy soil in search of the underground “Cachagua” springs. These stressed vines produce outstanding luscious fruit, which are then skillfully crafted into the extraordinary wines. The Cabernet Franc have been described by wine reviewers as “rich, with tannin and explosively long finishes”. In addition, the great variation in daily temperatures at the vineyard (which are sometimes 40 degrees in a twenty four hour period) helps to produce these exceptional age-worthy and full-bodied wines.

The vineyards have been certified 100% organic since 1980s. Neither herbicides nor pesticides are used in the production of the grapes. This certification was granted after three vintages of clean farming although organic practices have been in place since the original plantings by the Durney’s in 1968. The winery itself was certified organic in 2012.

Winemaking:

All wines are made with natural yeast. The Brij, Phelan Farm, and Stolo wines do not see any sulfur (in the vineyard or cellar). All the wines are aged in older oak barrels of all sizes. The wines are hand-bottled without any fining or filtration.