The 2021 Cabernet Franc Mount Veeder should be snatched up by savvy readers, It's a stunning value in top-end Cabernet Franc that will have two decades of longevity. Cassis, black raspberries, graphite, and plenty of varietal floral notes emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, building tannins, and outstanding overall balance. It's a powerful, structured, yet elegant 2021 that will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and evolve for 15+.

From a north-facing block, the 2021 Cabernet Franc Mt. Veeder features scents of tobacco and tomato leaf elements, plus blackberries and blueberries. It's full-bodied and firm but silky and ripe, with hints of licorice and drying tannins on the lingering finish. It's ultimately mouthwatering, which I take as a good sign that the tannins will be balanced in another few years.