Robert Mondavi Cabernet Franc Premiere Napa Valley To Kalon Oakville Napa Valley 2019

To Kalon is rare. Premiere Napa Valley is uber rare. But...PNV To Kalon CABERNET FRANC?! That is simply unheard of! We knew we had to have this...one of the rarest PNV wines, from the fantastic 2019 vintage, and one of the world’s most legendary vineyards...

Mondavi’s To Kalon Vineyard is a legendary site that needs little introduction, known as one of the best vineyards to grow cabernet sauvignon in the entire world. But cabernet franc is far rarer here – accounting for less than 10% of To Kalon’s nearly 400 acres (and that’s just the Mondavi portion, mind you). The vast majority of cabernet franc hails from the revered Monastery Block section of the vineyard – where the oldest vines are planted.

2019 is a remarkable vintage – and as good as it was for all of Napa Valley – a case could be made that cabernet franc shines brightest of all. Elegance and finesse, with ripe fruits, entrancing aromatics, and plenty of structure – in short, all the hallmarks for an epic vintage of cabernet franc, especially in this corner of Oakville. Now, Mondavi doesn’t usually make a cabernet franc varietal wine from To Kalon – as it is such a critical portion of the other blends – but for this rare PNV bottling, they set aside 20 cases worth of their best of the best (with 5% of To Kalon cabernet sauvignon blended in to inject a bit of oooommph!). The best part? We got it ALL, and if you snag any – you are in for a treat!

The closest that I can compare it to is the Detert East Block cabernet franc – from a plot of old vines planted a literal stone’s throw away from these vines (and a not-too-shabby 97 points from Vinous for their 2019). It’s big but nuanced, floral without being overtly perfumed, and ripe without being sappy. The flavors are red fruit and bramble berry driven, with To Kalon’s signature soft and volcanic minerality, and a balanced acidity that both cuts through the richness and extends the finish superbly. It is among the greatest cabernet francs I’ve ever tasted, and without an ounce of irony or hyperbole – one of the greatest To Kalon’s I’ve ever tasted too. That’s as bold a statement as I care to make...I simply can’t recommend this wine enough.

20 cases is all there is, and you know I’m taking two of those! Franc lovers, To Kalon lovers...I implore you...don’t miss this! And hey, while you’re at it...check out these other EPIC PNV wines in stock, here!

PAIRING IDEAS: Duck breast, with the skin scored and salted, slowly crisped in a cast iron skillet (start it cold, without oil, and let that fat render)! Serve it with a balsamic and red wine reduction, with some crunchy and meaty maitake mushrooms, plus some brown butter glazed carrots. One of my favorite pairings of all time, truly.