Matthiasson Cabernet Franc, Napa Valley, California

Perfumed red fruit, savory herbs and iron-like minerality define 2022 Matthiasson Cabernet Franc, a restrained and unusually delicate expression of Napa Valley. Blended from three organically farmed estate vineyards, the wine draws high-toned fruit and mineral character from Phoenix and Cressida's ancient marine shale while Matthiasson's western Oak Knoll site contributes another layer of site expression. Fifty percent whole clusters deepen Cabernet Franc's herbal and spicy character, while aging in neutral puncheons preserves freshness rather than adding oak flavor. At just 12.5% alcohol, it is aromatic and complex yet remarkably light on its feet, capturing a quieter, more savory side of Napa Cabernet Franc.

Product Details:

• Owners & Founders: Steve and Jill Matthiasson
• Winemaker & Viticulturist: Steve Matthiasson
• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
• Vineyard Composition: 53% Phoenix Vineyard, 35% Cressida Vineyard, and 12% Matthiasson Vineyard
• Farming: Estate-grown and organically farmed
• Whole Cluster: 50%
• Fermentation: Small open-top tanks with two punchdowns per day
• Pressing: Gently pressed just after dryness
• Aging: 10 months in neutral puncheons
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• pH: 3.70
• Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L
• Production: 554 cases

Sensory Description:

Lifted and perfumed, with red fruit framed by distinctly savory Cabernet Franc aromatics of dry autumn leaves, sage, and chili flakes. The use of whole clusters heightens the wine's herbal character and brings an additional layer of captivating spice. The palate is light and graceful but carries surprising structural firmness, with very soft tannins allowing the fruit and savory complexity to remain transparent. An iron-like mineral character emerges through the finish, giving the wine length and definition without heaviness. Delicate yet powerful, immediately drinkable yet intellectually complex, it is a Cabernet Franc built on aromatic detail, freshness and contradiction rather than extraction.

Winemaker's Background:

Steve and Jill Matthiasson founded Matthiasson Wines in 2003 after years working in sustainable agriculture and the local-food movement, building their Napa Valley winery around the same principles of responsible farming, transparency and respect for place. The winery remains independently owned by Steve and Jill, without outside partners or investors. Steve serves as winemaker and viticulturist, bringing decades of experience in vineyard management and sustainable agriculture to wines designed around freshness, moderate alcohol and food-friendly structure. Their vineyards are farmed organically, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, while regenerative practices are used to build healthy soils and diverse vineyard ecosystems. The Matthiassons work with both familiar varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and less common grapes including Ribolla Gialla and Refosco, approaching each as an agricultural product whose character begins in the vineyard. Their Cabernet Franc reflects that philosophy particularly clearly. Inspired in part by the restrained, savory character of Chinon but grounded firmly in Napa Valley, it emphasizes site, herbs, minerals and aromatic complexity alongside the naturally generous fruit of California.

Serving Suggestions:

Its moderate alcohol, soft tannins, red fruit and savory herbal character make this an especially versatile Cabernet Franc at the table. The producer describes it simply as "great with food," and its restrained structure makes it suitable for dishes that might be overwhelmed by a heavier Napa red. Serve slightly below typical room temperature to emphasize its perfume, freshness and mineral finish.