Who makes it?

Gallica Cabernet Franc is an organic Napa Valley red wine. The vines grow in Oakville AVA on the Oakville Ranch Vineyard. According to owner and winemaker, Rosemary Cakebread, “Cabernet Franc is really hitting its stride in California’. Undoubtedly, with wines such as this one, the variety is in good hands there.

Frankly, it is about time that the grape was celebrated for its contribution to the vinous pleasures of the world. Besides being a parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that comes immediately to mind for most wine lovers with the word ‘Cabernet’. The grape can produce very fine wines when it is allowed to dominate in the bottle.

Interestingly, this is a winery to watch as Rosemary also has Albarino planted! This gives an extra reason that this winery is one to watch, in my opinion. 

Note: the front label for this wine doesn’t mention the grape variety. It simply says ‘Red Wine’.

How do they make it?

This is a blend with a dollop of Cabernet Sauvignon (maybe 3%). The wine spends time in French oak but also considerable time in the bottle before release. If you are lucky enough to find it, it will already have 5 or so years age since vintage. It spends around 18 months in oak barrel before bottling. 

Rosemary Cakebread also focuses on retaining the aromatic qualities in her wines. So, expect a pretty wine on the nose here.

What does it taste like?

This red has the typical Cabernet Franc aromas, black currant, plums, some earthiness and that dried herb note you should expect. The fruit has the support of a bunch of garni bouquet.

Smooth, powdery tannins fill your mouth with each sip. Yet, the wine is fuller in style rather than full in body. There is a rich seam of oak and some bottle age to add flesh to the fruit. The herbs and fragrant ripe black plum take on an almost floral note on the finish. 

This wine would likely be good even with a decade in your own cellar in addition to the oak and bottle maturation at the winery.  

What to drink it with?

Unquestionably this is a wine that will go very well with a steak, or a slow cooked stew. You could event enjoy it with some gamey sausages or a venison and beetroot burger.

Cheese

Drink the Gallica Cabernet Franc with a mature semi-hard cheese such as Manchego or Comte. 

Quickie review « Cabernet Franc done well is superb and this wine is very moreish even in its youth. »

Country of Origin:  Oakville, Napa Valley USA
Tasting Date: July 2025
Price:  UK £150 |  US$ 150++
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like collectible red wines from the USA, why not check out:
Clos du Val Yettalil 

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