Wines Napa Valley En Garde - Cabernet Franc - 2016

Viniou Reviews

En Garde’s 2016 Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley is an outstanding example of how this variety can fully express itself in the Californian terroir. Crafted exclusively from Cabernet Franc grapes, this wine reflects both the finesse and the structure inherent to the varietal. The 2016 vintage is often characterized by ripe but balanced fruit, with excellent tannic structure and a nuanced aromatic profile. In En Garde’s hands, gentle extraction and a careful aging process—typically in French oak barrels—allow the wine to showcase vibrant notes of red and black fruits such as raspberry, blackcurrant, and plum, underlined by subtle herbal nuances, graphite, and a touch of sweet spice. The tannins are firm yet silky, giving the wine both depth and elegance, while a fresh backbone ensures good aging potential.

Napa Valley, nestled in California’s most prestigious wine region, is world-renowned for producing expressive, age-worthy red wines. The region benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days moderated by cool evenings, especially in the valley floors and up into the rolling foothills. Napa’s diverse soils—ranging from volcanic ash, clay, and loam to gravelly alluvial beds—provide ideal conditions for Cabernet Franc to ripen slowly, preserving aromatic intensity and balancing freshness with concentration. The history of Napa Valley winemaking dates back to the 19th century, and today it continues to be at the forefront of quality and innovation in American viticulture.

For food pairings, this structured yet aromatic Cabernet Franc is wonderfully versatile. It harmonizes with grilled or roasted red meats—think beef ribeye, lamb chops, or duck breast with a berry reduction—as well as with more refined dishes like mushroom risotto or a herb-crusted rack of veal. For regional flair, pair with classic California fare such as tri-tip steak or even a rich, slow-cooked chili. The wine’s herbaceous undertones also complement Mediterranean-style dishes featuring thyme, rosemary, or roasted bell peppers.

Serve this wine at a slightly cool cellar temperature, ideally between 16 and 18°C, to preserve its aromatic complexity and allow the texture to fully blossom. If the wine is youthful and robust, consider decanting it for 1 to 2 hours to soften the tannins and unlock its full bouquet. This 2016 vintage should age gracefully, but it is already approachable for those seeking both fruit charm and subtle sophistication.