2023 Estate Cabernet Franc

• Varieties:
  100% Cabernet Franc
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles - Templeton Gap District
• Average brix at harvest:
  25.1
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  14.4%
• Acidity:
  0.67g/100ml
• pH:
  3.49
• Residual sugar:
  0.01 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  February 04, 2026
• Cases produced:
  95

Growing conditions:
Finally! Mother nature ended the drought with 200% of normal rainfall, Combined with a cool spring and warm (not hot) summer led to the latest harvest ever at Victor Hugo! Judicious thinning allowed the grapes to be harvested at optimum maturity producing beautiful wines.

Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested, then crushed into a stainless fermentor. 24 hours later, the must was inoculated with D80 yeast then pumped over twice daily for 14 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, this merlot was aged for 20 months in French and Hungarian oak prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Intense aromas of bing cherries and spices are complimented by a background of spicy oak. Rich flavors with layers of complex, supple tannins interlocking with rich oak flavors and a long, intense finish.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable now, this 100% Cabernet Franc will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 3-6 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2027-2030.

Food selection:
This elegant wine will compliment a large array of food dishes but is best with beef, lamb and ripe cheeses.