Crocker & Starr, Cabernet Franc Blend, Napa Valley, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
"The Crocker & Starr name reflects the unique partnership between Charlie and Pam and the key components that each one brings to the table to achieve great wine: great grapes and great talent. In 1997, Charlie Crocker and Pam Starr established Crocker & Starr with a common goal of resurrecting the historic Crocker Vineyard Estate and creating world-class wines from its extraordinary terroir.

Approaching their 24th harvest together, Charlie (the grapes) and Pam (the talent) are equal partners and co-owners of Crocker & Starr. The winery has been blessed with a strong heritage of credibility that represents a winemaking history of excellence from vine to bottle.

Charlie Crocker and Pam Starr’s partnership flags the resurrection of an 1870′s winery in the small town of St. Helena. Read more of our history here.

Our philosophy at Crocker & Starr is to capture the greatness of the Crocker Vineyard in powerful and balanced wines without compromise. We strive to set the bar for St Helena Appellation Cabernets as a First Growth Bordeaux Chateau would."

Grape / Blend
69% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot

Origin
Napa Valley, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A.V.A. stands for American Viticulture Area and for us it represents the culmination of sustainable viticulture, the resurrection of our 1870’s winery, and classic winemaking. The bouquet on the front label ties into our rich history, as it and our 1870’s Victorian home originate from a Sears & Roebuck catalog. Inspired by the great wines of the right bank of Bordeaux, our A.V.A. St. Helena blend of Cabernet Franc serves as the perfect red introduction to the Crocker & Starr portfolio. 

92 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Charming red and black fruits, sappy herbs, leather, and graphite define the 2022 Cabernet Franc A.V.A. Blend. Fresh and focused on the palate, with violets, spice, and a soft, supple texture, this elegant blend of 69% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, and 4% Petit Verdot.

91 Points - James Suckling
The nose is lifted and fresh, with aromas of mulberry bush, blackcurrants and marzipan. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and integrated acidity, showing notes of blood plums, tomato bush and mocha. Soft and generous. Drink or hold.

91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 69% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot, the aptly named 2022 A.V.A. Napa Valley Red Blend of Cabernet Franc is delicately herbal and floral but not hugely so, with dominant notes of red cherries, plus touches of redcurrant and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied, taut and fresh, which serves to accentuate the wine's modest tannins on the long, mouthwatering finish.

Product size: 750ml