2006 von Strasser Winery Marcellini Franc
2010 Wine Intrigue Awards
Operative’s Choice: Top Cab Franc
Mission Codename: Five Diamond
Operative: Agent Red
Objective: Locate and procure a Diamond District Cabernet Franc that embodies the best that the unique region has to offer
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: von Strasser Winery
Wine Subject: 2006 Marcellini Vineyard Cabernet Franc – Diamond Mountain District
Winemaker: Rudy von Strasser
Backgrounder: Best known for its exceptional Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, von Strasser Winery in Napa Valley’s scenic Calistoga, is a Wine Spies favorite!
Today we are proud to feature their extraordinary 2006 Diamond Mountain Cabernet Franc made from 24 year old vines from the fabled Marcellini Vineyard.
The Diamond Mountain District AVA (American Viticultural Area) sits at the northern most tip of the Napa Valley, in the Mayacamas Mountains. The higher elevation of the region sees more didrect sunlight and less cooling that the rest of the valley, leading to the production of some of the most concentrated and delicious Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire Napa Valley.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark plum skin with perfect clarity through its darkening heart. At the edge of the wine a fine rim of ruby red rings the glass. When the wine settles – after a good swirl – tight clusters of skinny legs take a long time to emerge, before they streak down the glass.
Smell – Layers of aromas rush to greet you, leading off with earthen sage, then bramble, blackberry, pencil shavings, plum and darkest black cherry.
Feel – Light and cool on the initial attack, then softly grippy as integrated tannins very slowly grip in, eventually leading to an around-the-mouth dryness – with a hint of minerality.
Taste – Tart black plum, overripe blackberry, cassis, tart dried cranberry and leather are followed by more subtle flavors of tobacco leaf, soft sweetwoods, minerals, soft dark spice and dusty bramble.
Finish – Very long and clean, with flavors that evolve in your mouth before they gradually tail off. Soft spice and dark minerals at the very end, with a hint of just-burnt candied fig.
Conclusion – For me, Cabernet Franc plus von Strasser plus Diamond Mountain = Perfection. Of all red wine varietals, I enjoy beautifully done Cab Franc best of all, and Rudy von Strasser really delivers with his 2006 Marcinelli Vineyard Cabernet Franc. Elegant, delicious, long on flavors and big aromatics, this wine presents everything in great balance. If you shy away from the sometimes vegital character on Cab Franc, be assured that you won’t find it in this wine. There are high notes of tart fruit, and some sage, but none of the bell pepper that some people shy away from. With its bright acidity,this cab franc is a great companion to most foods. We paired ours with shredded pork tacos and hot salsa. This Franc was a refreshing compliment to a challenging meal. Thank you, Rudy, for another wine… perfectly done!
Mission Report:
While my life is almost completely consumed with wine, I do have other interests. One of them is treasure hunting.
I am constantly receiving intel for my assets around the wine industry – and sometimes that intel has noting to do with wine.
Recently, I received a report that the world famous Diamond District, in the norther tip of the Napa Valley, was so named because a cache of stolen diamonds was buried high up in the Mayacams mountains, among some of the fines Cabernet grapes known to humankind.
This report included clues to the specific whereabouts of the diamonds, valued at an estimated $5 million. My source provided a map, general coordinates and a few old photographs from the 1920’s. I agreed to a 50/50 split and set of to Napa.
Once up in the Mayacamas, a gorgeous vine-covered region at the northern tip of the Napa Valley. Juggling the old photos and my portable GPS, I managed to make my way what was almost certainly the right vicinity.
[beep.boop.beep beep.boop.beep]
An open wine glass? Up here? My Wine Spies PDA is never wrong, and that alert was difficult to believe. Utilizing the PDA’s direction finder, I made my way toward the wine. I made my way down a vineyard row, turned a corner – and witnessed a remarkable sight: A small table with a white tablecloth with a single glass of wine atop it!
I approached the table and saw that its surface was strewn with… with… loose diamonds! My heart raced. Ignoring the note card that sat next to the wine glass, I grabbed a diamond and examined it with my jewelers loop. My heart sank. These were no diamonds. Instead, just fakes.
I stood there for a moment, stunned. Eventually, I snapped out of it and reached for the card. It read, “Agent Red. My apologies for the subterfuge. To make it up to you, I have arranged a special allocation of a very special wine for you. Sincerely, [CENSORED] – von Strasser Winery.”
This note was significant and I felt instantly better. I had been trying to infiltrate the von Strasser Winery for months. Their wines, particularly their Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, is the stuff of legend.
I grabbed up the glass, inhaled deeply, and took a sip. Heavenly.
Then, my phone rang.
“Agent Red. [REDACTED] here, from von Strasser….”
The rest is obvious, dear Operative, for today you have a unique opportunity to sample one of the best Cabs from one of the best regions – by one of Napa Valley’s best wineries.
Diamonds? Who needs diamonds, when you have a wine this good?
Cheers!
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The gorgeous location of the steeply sloping von Strasser vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.
Average Wine Spy Points: 80/100 |
