2016 Morlet, Force de la Nature Cabernet Franc, California, Bottle (750ml)

RP100 Made of 100% Cabernet Franc from Beckstoffer's To Kalon vineyard, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Franc Force de la Nature is a little closed to begin, emitting slowly releasing scents of rose hips, oolong tea, dried roses, red loam and pencil shavings over notions of kirsch, redcurrant jelly, crushed black berries and black raspberries plus a waft of chocolate box. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant, giving beautifully fine-grained tannins and just enough freshness to lift the perfumed fruit to a very long finish. Morlet’s spectacular “Force de la Nature” from Becktoffer’s To Kalon vineyard continues to set the bar sky-high for Napa Valley Cabernet Franc. 175 cases produced, to be released in the fall of 2019.

JD99 There are just 175 cases of the 2016 Cabernet Franc Force de la Nature and it’s 100% To Kalon Vineyard brought up in new oak. This cuvée is only made in top vintages and it certainly delivers the good in 2016, offering a complex bouquet of crème de cassis, roasted coffee, forest floor, and candied violets. Incredibly complex, it offers more spice and incense notes as it sits in the glass. It’s full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered, and perfectly balanced on the palate, with its fruit, acidity, and tannins all flawlessly integrated. Give bottle 2-4 years in the cellar if you can and enjoy over the following two decades. Hats off to winemaker Luc Morlet, who unquestionably has a magic touch with both Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.