N°17 Cabernet Franc Reviews

The No. 17 (Cabernet Franc) is bursting at the seams with blackberry jam, espresso, chocolate, spice, new leather and menthol. Potent and yet well-balanced for such a big wine, the 2018 has much to recommend it. This ample, full-throttle wine will drink beautifully for another decade or so.

The 2018 Cabernet Franc No. 17 is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, from the east side of St. Helena on volcanic/obsidian-rich soils. It was aged in French oak, 50% new. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious scents of Morello cherries, black raspberries and redcurrant jelly with hints of menthol, chocolate box, pencil shavings and Ceylon tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with crunchy red and black fruits, supported by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long with a skip in its step. 49 cases were made.

The No. 17 (Cabernet Franc) is bursting at the seams with blackberry jam, espresso, chocolate, spice, new leather and menthol. Potent and yet well-balanced for such a big wine, the 2018 has much to recommend it. This ample, full-throttle wine will drink beautifully for another decade or so. -- Antonio Galloni

Made up of 95% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak, the 2016 Cabernet Franc No. 17 is deep garnet-purple in color with warm red and black cherries and red currant jelly aromas with potpourri, earth and smoked meats plus a waft of tobacco and cardamom. The palate is very vibrant, red fruited, perfumed, firm and grainy with great texture and freshness, finishing very long. 52 cases produced.

Containing a 4% splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Franc No. 17 has a gorgeous red currants, blackberries and black cherries nose with bay leaves, pencil lead, cedar and roses hints. Medium-bodied, fine, refreshing and elegant, it's silky textured and lively, finishing very long and minerally. Only 70 cases were made.

Slightly lifted nose with mint, dried-flower and berry character. Full to medium body with firm, silky tannins and a fresh, clean finish. I really like the refined austerity to this.

According to Jean-Charles Boisset’s words, the 2010 Cabernet Franc JCB No. 17 is “profound, indulgent, secretive.” Blueberry, raspberry, forest floor, bouquet garni and spice aromas jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored Cabernet Franc. Stylish, restrained and impressive, this medium-bodied, ethereal, subtle effort is a classy, complex example of its varietal. Not a blockbuster, it is a nuanced, intellectual red wine that should drink well for a decade or more.

This is a wonderful wine that has the dry complexity and tannic structure of a great Napa red, with rich layers of cherries, red currants, mocha and sweet smoky oak. Yet it’s supple, with a deft drinkability. A brilliant interpretation of the variety, it’s hard to keep from popping the cork now, but should age well for 8–10 years.