N°17 Cabernet Franc Reviews

Aromas of crushed herbs, black tea and blackberries. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Lovely depth and complexity here, with a bed of black fruit, earthy spice and forest herbs. Cigar box and bark come through. Best after 2024.

Aromas of crushed herbs, black tea and blackberries. Medium-to full-bodied with velvety tannins. Lovely depth and complexity here, with a bed of black fruit, earthy spice and forest herbs. Cigar box and bark come through. Best after 2024.

The 2019 JCB #17, 100% Cabernet Franc, emerges from a site on the eastern side of St. Helena. This racy, exuberant Franc delivers good varietal character and tons of personality. The 2019 is opulent, but also an incredibly elegant wine that might benefit from being opened just a bit earlier. There is real potential here.

The 100% varietal 2018 Cabernet Franc JCB #17 is a beauty, offering pretty Franc notes of red and black fruits, dried flowers, barbecue smoke, and spice. Coming from a vineyard on the east side of St. Helena and aged in 50% new French oak, it’s a character-filled, medium to full-bodied, elegant wine that will last for 10-15 years.

The 100% varietal 2018 Cabernet Franc JCB #17 is a beauty, offering pretty Franc notes of red and black fruits, dried flowers, barbecue smoke, and spice. Coming from a vineyard on the east side of St. Helena and aged in 50% new French oak, it’s a character-filled, medium to full-bodied, elegant wine that will last for 10-15 years.

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 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

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.