{"product_id":"ballentine-estate-cabernet-franc","title":"Ballentine Estate Cabernet Franc","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBallentine Estate Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a concentrated yet polished Napa Valley red from the historic, family-owned \u003cstrong\u003eBallentine Vineyards\u003c\/strong\u003e. The current \u003cstrong\u003e2023 vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e is built around \u003cstrong\u003e90% Cabernet Franc and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/strong\u003e, with small amounts of \u003cstrong\u003ePetit Verdot and Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e, then matured for \u003cstrong\u003e18 months in French oak, approximately 50% new\u003c\/strong\u003e. Bottled at \u003cstrong\u003e15.5% ABV\u003c\/strong\u003e, it combines ripe strawberry, cherry, blackberry, dark plum, cedar, floral notes, spice, and earthy complexity with a broad texture and finely structured tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProcess \u0026amp; Profile\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBallentine Vineyards is a multigenerational Napa Valley estate whose family farming history dates to \u003cstrong\u003e1905\u003c\/strong\u003e. Today, the family farms approximately \u003cstrong\u003e75 acres across three estate vineyards in St. Helena and Calistoga\u003c\/strong\u003e, including plantings of Cabernet Franc at both \u003cstrong\u003eBetty’s\/Fig Tree Vineyard and Pocai Vineyard\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2023 Estate Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e is composed of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e90% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder Petit Verdot and Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e. Cabernet Franc provides the wine’s aromatic red and black fruit, floral character, and savory complexity, while Cabernet Sauvignon contributes additional structure and depth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing fermentation, the wine is matured for \u003cstrong\u003e18 months in French oak\u003c\/strong\u003e, with approximately \u003cstrong\u003e50% new barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e. This élevage adds cedar, spice, and subtle toasted complexity while allowing the ripe Napa Valley fruit to remain at the center of the wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the glass, the wine is \u003cstrong\u003edeep ruby and concentrated\u003c\/strong\u003e. The bouquet opens with \u003cstrong\u003eripe strawberry, cherry, dark plum, blackberry, boysenberry, and mulberry\u003c\/strong\u003e, accompanied by floral touches of \u003cstrong\u003elilac and rose\u003c\/strong\u003e, along with mint, cedar, chocolate, and gentle spice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe palate is \u003cstrong\u003emedium-to-full-bodied, rich, and structured\u003c\/strong\u003e, with red and black berry fruit supported by earthy undertones and fine oak. Cherry, blackberry, plum, and dark raspberry develop alongside clove, cedar, spice, and subtle herbal complexity. The texture is broad and mouth-filling, with polished yet persistent tannins providing shape and aging potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe finish is long and layered, carrying \u003cstrong\u003edark berries, cherry, cedar, spice, earth, and firm tannins\u003c\/strong\u003e. Despite its \u003cstrong\u003e15.5% ABV\u003c\/strong\u003e, the 2023 maintains freshness and balance, giving the wine enough energy to support its concentrated fruit and substantial structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes \u003cstrong\u003eBallentine Estate Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e particularly compelling is its combination of \u003cstrong\u003eestate-grown Napa Valley fruit, Cabernet Franc-led composition, 18 months of French-oak aging, and limited-production family winemaking\u003c\/strong\u003e. Critic \u003cstrong\u003eJeb Dunnuck awarded the 2023 vintage 94 points\u003c\/strong\u003e, praising its red and black berry fruit, cedary herbs, spice, floral character, polished tannins, and excellent length, with potential to evolve over the next decade or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e60–65°F \/ 16–18°C\u003c\/strong\u003e and consider decanting for 30–60 minutes when young. Ballentine specifically pairs its Cabernet Franc with dishes such as \u003cstrong\u003eherb-crusted venison with blackberry-red wine reduction\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the wine also works beautifully with lamb, duck, grilled beef, mushrooms, and aged cheeses.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Ballentine Estate Cabernet Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is an \u003cstrong\u003eestate-grown Napa Valley Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e produced by Ballentine Vineyards. The current \u003cstrong\u003e2023 vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e is Cabernet Franc-dominant with smaller portions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are the key specs of Ballentine Estate Cabernet Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2023 vintage\u003c\/strong\u003e is approximately \u003cstrong\u003e90% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec\u003c\/strong\u003e, matured for \u003cstrong\u003e18 months in French oak with roughly 50% new barrels\u003c\/strong\u003e. It is bottled at approximately \u003cstrong\u003e15.5% ABV\u003c\/strong\u003e in a 750ml format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat flavors characterize Ballentine Estate Cabernet Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect \u003cstrong\u003estrawberry, cherry, blackberry, dark plum, boysenberry, mulberry, cedar, floral notes, clove, spice, earth, mint, and subtle chocolate\u003c\/strong\u003e, supported by concentrated fruit and structured tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow should you enjoy Ballentine Estate Cabernet Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eServe it around \u003cstrong\u003e60–65°F \/ 16–18°C\u003c\/strong\u003e. Young bottles benefit from brief decanting, and the wine pairs especially well with venison, lamb, duck, grilled beef, mushroom dishes, and mature cheeses. Ballentine specifically recommends its Cabernet Franc with herb-crusted venison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes Ballentine Estate Cabernet Franc special?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIts distinction comes from \u003cstrong\u003eestate-grown Napa Valley fruit, a Cabernet Franc-led Bordeaux blend, substantial French-oak maturation, concentrated 2023 fruit, and Ballentine’s family winegrowing heritage dating to 1905\u003c\/strong\u003e. The 2023 combines Napa richness with floral and savory Cabernet Franc character, polished tannins, and strong cellar potential.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lieber Wines","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50497085964536,"sku":"80361","price":56.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0352\/3140\/0072\/files\/0093269_2021-ballentine-vineyards-cabernet-franc-napa-pocai-vineyard_grande_a37bded5-6d14-4bcd-892b-b2f314e8b4be.avif?v=1789251643","url":"https:\/\/thebourboncentral.com\/products\/ballentine-estate-cabernet-franc","provider":"Bourbon Central","version":"1.0","type":"link"}