Ironstone Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc 2003

John Kautz and his wife Gail launched Kautz wines in 1988, and in 1989 broke ground on what would become the Ironstone Vineyards winery and visitors center on Gail’s family ranch in Murphys, Calaveras County. John and Gail’s four children are actively involved in the business, and Steve Millier is winemaker.In 2000, Ironstone launched their “Reserve” line – small lots from their best sites in Calaveras County that are aged in small French and American oak casks for 18 months with additional bottle aging prior to release. The Reserve line is sold in restaurants only. This stylish Cabernet read more...Franc is blended with 15% Merlot for body and depth. It is bright, fairly opaque ruby, and viscous. Oak notes – vanilla bean, maple syrup, pecan pie, wood sap – dominate the nose but integrate themselves well on the palate. Raspberry jam, cassis, cherry, and plum notes are excellent reflections of the varietal, though the mocha and dark chocolate hint at a warmer origin than Bordeaux or the Loire Valley! On the palate the various components – fruit, oak, alcohol and acid – integrate seamlessly. The wine has a long, flavorful finish. 1,620 six-packs were produced.    (hide)

October 2008

John Kautz and his wife Gail launched Kautz wines in 1988, and in 1989 broke ground on what would become the Ironstone Vineyards winery and visitors center on Gail’s family ranch in Murphys, Calaveras County. John and Gail’s four children are actively involved in the business, and Steve Millier is winemaker. In 2000, Ironstone launched their “Reserve” line – small lots from their best sites in Calaveras County that are aged in small French and American oak casks for 18 months with additional bottle aging prior to release. The Reserve line is sold in restaurants only. This stylish Cabernet read more...Franc is blended with 15% Merlot for body and depth. It is bright, fairly opaque ruby, and viscous. Oak notes – vanilla bean, maple syrup, pecan pie, wood sap – dominate the nose but integrate themselves well on the palate. Raspberry jam, cassis, cherry, and plum notes are excellent reflections of the varietal, though the mocha and dark chocolate hint at a warmer origin than Bordeaux or the Loire Valley! On the palate the various components – fruit, oak, alcohol and acid – integrate seamlessly. The wine has a long, flavorful finish. 1,620 six-packs were produced.    (hide)

Rating: 86/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 04/07