Cabernet Franc Reserve
⏳ Drinking Window
2024 - 2030
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, rosemary-infused pork tenderloin
✨ Technical Specifications
Scheid Vineyards' Cabernet Franc Reserve is a compelling expression of Monterey County's diverse terroir, specifically sourced from their estate vineyards in the warmer southern reaches of the Salinas Valley, such as the Hames Valley AVA. Here, sheltered from the extreme cold winds of the Monterey Bay, the late-ripening Cabernet Franc grape finds the ideal heat accumulation to achieve full phenolic maturity. Historically, Monterey was overlooked for structured Bordeaux varieties, but pioneers like Scheid proved that by utilizing these distinct microclimates, one could craft Cabernet Franc of exceptional depth. This reserve bottling showcases the grape's signature aromatic complexity, balancing rich dark fruit with refined notes of graphite, dried herbs, and subtle spice, all framed by elegant tannins from careful aging in French oak barrels.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1972 by Al Scheid, Scheid Vineyards is a pioneering wine estate nestled in the heart of Monterey County's Salinas Valley in California. Over five decades, the family-owned operation has expanded across twelve distinct estate vineyards, leveraging the dramatic maritime cooling of the Monterey Bay to cultivate diverse grape varieties. Committed to forward-thinking stewardship, the winery is entirely powered by renewable wind energy and follows rigorous certified sustainable farming practices. Scheid Vineyards is celebrated for its diverse portfolio of vibrant white, red, and rosé wines, producing acclaimed varietal bottlings such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, and Barbera, alongside handcrafted cuvées like the Claret Reserve.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Cabernet Franc