A long, temperate growing season in 2006 provided us with Cabernet Franc grapes ripened to perfection, a feat that always requires patience in this late-ripening variety. Our terraced Cabernet Franc vines are among the oldest planted blocks within our mountain-top vineyard, producing small clusters with darkly colored, concentrated berries. Bright red-fruit notes of strawberry and plum are interwoven with warm baking spice, brown sugar and graphite. The textured palate provides grip, but overall the feel of the wine is one of balanced saturation. Blended with 12% Merlot to flesh out the mid-palate and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon to add substance, ours is consistently a wine that reveals the potential of fully ripe Cabernet Franc grapes.