Location: Carmel Valley, CA
Alcohol: 13%

This Cabernet Franc embodies signature aromatics of the varietal including wild strawberries, violets, fresh raspberries, wet granite, and present but integrated pyrazines. Bright but balanced acidity and gentle tannins bring playfulness and elegance to this wine.

Wine spent 21 days on the skins with 50% whole cluster inclusion, and underwent a native yeast fermentation. No punchdowns were performed and a combination of punpovers and gentle hand pour-overs were practiced for cap management in order to encourage carbonic maceration character in the whole clusters. After fermentation, the wine was pressed and aged in neutral French oak barrels. Minimal sulfur was added for stability before bottling without fining or filtration.

Massa Vineyard is located in the remote highlands of the Carmel Valley and sits at 1500 feet in elevation, overlooking the hills of the remote Chachagua region. The vineyard has been using organic practices since its inception in 1968, and received its organic certification in the 1980s.