Today's Wine Review
2022 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc "St. Helena"
Winery: Ehlers Estate
Vintage: 2022
Wine Name/Vineyard: "St. Helena"
Wine Category: Cabernet Franc
Grape blend: 90% Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Merlot
Bottle size: 750 ml
Region: St. Helena
State or country: CA
Price: $80
Cases produced: 500
KWG Score: 92.5 (based on 2 reviews)
Ken's Wine Rating: Excellent (94)
Review date: June 16, 2025
Wine Review: This midnight purple colored Cabernet Franc from Ehlers is excellent! It opens with an inviting black currant and mild fresh mint bouquet with hints of black licorice. On the palate, this wine is full bodied with integrated medium plus acidity. The mouthfeel is nicely balanced, very smooth, and silky. The flavor profile is gentle blackberry and black pepper blend with notes of mild black licorice and blueberry. I also detected hints of mild muddled fresh mint, dark chocolate, and a touch of oolong tea. The finish is dry and its flavors, acidity and very dusty tannins buildup and stick around for a very long time. I would decant this Cab Franc for a little bit to tame the tannins. Then I would pair it with a Porterhouse steak at your favorite steakhouse. Enjoy - Ken
Winemaker Notes: With a deep, brooding nose of violet flowers, new leather, cocoa powder, graphite, and black cherries that continues to expand with each passing moment, the 2022 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Franc is decidedly serious from the start. Surprisingly firm, mineral-spiked tannins spread quickly evenly across the palate, the flavors coming in building waves of kirsch cherry, bergamot tea, pomegranate and baking chocolate, even citrus marmalade and crushed rocks peek out through the finish. Focused and polished, powerful character is quieted against a supple texture that coats and persists, creating a dynamic tension, gently but assertively pulling the wine in all directions. This really is a case study in exactly what makes Cabernet Franc such a fascinating variety in the right locations.
Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Ehlers Estate 2022 Cabernet Franc.
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