2022 Gibbs Cabernet Franc
2022 Gibbs Cabernet Franc
90% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot
22 months in oak, 35% new French oak
775 Cases
"A good, solid red, robust in fruit flavors and savory accents on a full body. Medium to full tannins put a little grip on the vivid black cherry, blackberry and bay leaf flavors. It's deep and dark, and makes a big impact on the palate. Drink now or hold." - 91 Points James Suckling
The family started off in Napa Valley growing walnuts, dates, and a small selection of grapes in the 1950s. That’s when Dr. Lewis Gibbs Carpenter Jr., a lifelong farmer and psychologist with a history rooted in the cattle ranches of Gilroy, California moved to Saint Helena, Napa Valley and bought land on the valley floor. An agriculturalist at heart, Lewis’ expansive orchards and personal garden were a testament to his hard-working attitude and dedication to Napa Valley’s natural resources. By the 1970s, he had replaced most of the nut and fruit orchards with several Bordeaux varietals of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot, all of which were beginning to gain international attention following the Judgement of Paris in 1976.
It wasn’t until the year 2000 that the family began making small amounts of wine under private labels for others in Napa Valley. This went on for over 10 years. Then in 2014, the third generation of the family, Spencer Gibbs Handly, graduated from University of San Diego and decided to keep the grapes they were selling to others and make wine full time under their own label. He watched his father make wine for others for years and with his formal training from UCSD he was ready to take the helm.
The 2022 vintage is beautifully complex, layered, and rich with character; only made more powerful thanks to the addition of a splash of Oakville Petit Verdot. Violets, blue fruits and herbal notes on the nose seamlessly meld with a body showing blueberry, dark boysenberry, and bitter chocolate. The tannins are fine but ever present bringing beautiful structure to this layered and age worthy wine. Pair with aged cheese, beef ragu, roasted chicken or roasted veggies. Will age for the next 5-7 years.
For maximum enjoyment Decant for 30-40 minutes
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