Lang and ReedCalifornia Cabernet Franc 2024

Lang & Reed is California’s definitive Cabernet Franc specialist, founded in 1996 by John and Tracey Skupny with a singular devotion to this expressive and oft-overlooked variety. John Skupny’s career includes tenures at Caymus, Clos du Val and Niebaum-Coppola, but his heart has always remained with his Loire Valley-inspired expressions of Cab Franc. This 2023 bottling is a vibrant multi-vineyard blend that captures the variety’s aromatic soul, focusing on purity and lift rather than heavy extraction. It opens with a high-toned bouquet of wild raspberry, tart cherry, and the classic hallmarks of dried tobacco leaf and violet. On the palate, the wine is bright and lively, benefiting from the exceptionally long, cool 2023 growing season that allowed for deep flavor development while maintaining modest alcohol levels. While many California producers treat Cabernet Franc as a small blending component, Lang & Reed proves it can stand alone with elegance, transparency, and a refreshing sense of place. For a classic pairing that’s pure pleasure, open this bottle with a platter of charcuterie, Dijon mustard and a fresh baguette.