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VinoUS Media Review
Rated 97
The 2018 Cabernet Franc East Block, from vines planted in 1979, is rich, sumptuous and superbly delicious. This is the first vintage I can recall where the East Block is not overdone. There is plenty of inky concentration and richness, but the energy of Franc comes through just the same. Blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and licorice build into the huge, inky finish. Drinking Window: 2026-2043. (By Antonio Galloni on February 2021)
Wine Tasting Notes
The Detert East Block is a rare jewel - 7 acres within the historic To Kalon Vineyard of old-vine Cabernet Franc whose lineage stretches back to the early history of grape growing in Napa Valley. Planted in 1949, it is thought to be the first planting of Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley and has been farmed by our family for over 60 years.
Beginning with our first vintage of Cabernet Franc in 2000, we blended our two Cabernet Franc vineyard blocks, the East Block and West Block, together to create the Detert Cabernet Franc bottling. In 2009, we began holding back one barrel of East Block so that we could illustrate the impressive quality of these heritage vines and pay homage to the vineyard's history. Each year since then we have done the same, keeping just a small amount of the East Block Cabernet Franc separate for our rare East Block bottling. The exceptionally well-drained alluvial soils of the East Block produce a powerful, incredibly complex and sophisticated Cabernet Franc whose hallmark flavors are bittersweet-chocolate, dark berries, sage, sweet tobacco and anise.Intoxicating aromas of cassis, bittersweet cocoa, licorice, black currant, lavender and espresso.
Rich and palate coating with layers of dark fruits, herb, mineral, dark chocolate and complex earthy notes. Absolutely delicious with a remarkable combination of pure flavors, silky texture and a brooding density as well as energy and freshness. Classic East Block sophistication and framework. This is gorgeous now but best with a few hours in a decanter or a few years in the cellar. Recommended Drinking: 2023 to 2050.
Rated 97
The 2018 Cabernet Franc East Block, from vines planted in 1979, is rich, sumptuous and superbly delicious. This is the first vintage I can recall where the East Block is not overdone. There is plenty of inky concentration and richness, but the energy of Franc comes through just the same. Blackberry jam, bittersweet chocolate, spice, leather and licorice build into the huge, inky finish. Drinking Window: 2026-2043. (By Antonio Galloni on February 2021)
Wine Tasting Notes
The Detert East Block is a rare jewel - 7 acres within the historic To Kalon Vineyard of old-vine Cabernet Franc whose lineage stretches back to the early history of grape growing in Napa Valley. Planted in 1949, it is thought to be the first planting of Cabernet Franc in Napa Valley and has been farmed by our family for over 60 years.
Beginning with our first vintage of Cabernet Franc in 2000, we blended our two Cabernet Franc vineyard blocks, the East Block and West Block, together to create the Detert Cabernet Franc bottling. In 2009, we began holding back one barrel of East Block so that we could illustrate the impressive quality of these heritage vines and pay homage to the vineyard's history. Each year since then we have done the same, keeping just a small amount of the East Block Cabernet Franc separate for our rare East Block bottling. The exceptionally well-drained alluvial soils of the East Block produce a powerful, incredibly complex and sophisticated Cabernet Franc whose hallmark flavors are bittersweet-chocolate, dark berries, sage, sweet tobacco and anise.Intoxicating aromas of cassis, bittersweet cocoa, licorice, black currant, lavender and espresso.
Rich and palate coating with layers of dark fruits, herb, mineral, dark chocolate and complex earthy notes. Absolutely delicious with a remarkable combination of pure flavors, silky texture and a brooding density as well as energy and freshness. Classic East Block sophistication and framework. This is gorgeous now but best with a few hours in a decanter or a few years in the cellar. Recommended Drinking: 2023 to 2050.