7 Fabulous Cabernet Franc Wines From the U.S. to Buy Now


Martin Woods, Silverado Vineyards, La Jota
Cabernet Franc is grown all over the world; in South Africa, California, Italy, the Loire Valley’s Bourgueil and Chinon regions, and, of course, in Bordeaux. Although Cabernet Franc is a native of France, where it is planted on over 90,000 acres, the grape now has a permanent home and is firmly rooted in North America. It has become the winemaker’s darling when making a 100 percent version or when blending with other grapes, especially in Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast, Oregon, Washington, or New York State.
While Cab Franc’s aromas and flavors vary depending on where it is grown, winemakers and wine lovers alike are captivated by its combination of fruity and savory characteristics. Expect aromas of red and black fruits with touches of bell pepper, jalapeño, and graphite, followed by flavors of raspberries, blackberries, red plums, and dark cherries, along with earthy notes. Cabernet Franc has a relatively high level of compounds that give it a green pepper or farmstand aroma that can translate to the palate. Its high tannins make it a good choice when steak is on the grill, but you can also use its herbaceous qualities to your advantage and pair it with grilled vegetables and hearty stews. It’s also terrific alongside baby back ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. Here are seven Cabernet Francs to drink now.
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Silverado Vineyards 2021 St. George Vineyard Cabernet Franc Coombsville Napa Valley
Image Credit: Silverado Vineyards Ron and Diane Miller and her mother, Lillian Disney—yes, that Disney—founded Silverado in 1981. Today, it is under the ownership and watchful eyes of wine world legend Bill Foley and his lovely wife of over 50 years, Carol. Their gorgeous estate is located in the center of the Stags Leap District, but grapes for this stunner come from Coombsville. Silverado Vineyards 2021 St. George Vineyard Cabernet Franc has powerful aromas of black currant, pipe tobacco, and just a whiff of jalapeño. Soft, rounded tannins are joined by flavors of blackberry, black plum, finely ground cinnamon, and red raspberry.
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Martin Woods Winery 2022 Cabernet Franc Walla Walla Valley Oregon
Image Credit: Martin Woods Hidden in an oak forest on the Oregon side of the Willamette Valley, Martin Woods Winery would be easy to miss if you didn’t know the exact location. It was founded by Evan Martin in 2017 after he had a few internships at other wineries in the valley. Evan’s 2022 Cabernet Franc is almost Pinot Noir in style with a light body and aromas of sour cherry, forest floor, and red plum. It has balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins with flavors of freshly baked cherry pie, strawberry, and dried Shiitake mushrooms.
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La Jota Vineyard Co. 2021 Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc Napa Valley California
Image Credit: La Jota Vineyard La Jota Vineyard Co. was founded by Frederick Hess in 1898 and was one of the first wineries built on Howell Mountain. Hess built his winery from readily available materials, like volcanic rock, and fashioned fermentation tanks from California redwood trees found on the property. Today, the winemaking tradition is carried out by winemaker Chris Carpenter with the support and backing of the Jackson Family team. Their 2021 is big and bold with aromas of red plum, brown baking spice, graphite, and tobacco leaf. It has a pleasantly grippy tannic backbone with flavors of cassis, black raspberry, porcini mushrooms, and a bright acidic splash at the very, very end. Only 377 cases made, so don’t hesitate to buy some to drink now or to age for a decade or so.
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Ehlers Estate 2022 Cabernet Franc St. Helena Napa Valley California
Image Credit: Ehlers Estate Ehlers Estate has a unique microclimate due to its position at the narrowest point in Napa Valley. It benefits from early morning fog and bright sunshine later in the day, so make sure to plan your visit in the afternoon sun. While Adam Casto became head winemaker in 2023, this superb wine was made by Laura Diaz Muñoz, who got her start in winemaking while working in her native country, Spain, and then worked with Napa winemaker Chris Carpenter before signing on at Ehlers Estate from 2018 until 2023. Her 2022 Cabernet Franc is garnet colored in the glass and has sultry aromas of crushed violet petal, bell pepper, pencil lead, ripe cherry, and dark chocolate. It opens in the palate with soft, rounded tannins and flavors of chocolate, cranberry, cherry liquor, and Oolong tea. Drink now or hold for up to a decade.
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Trefethen Estate 2021 Cabernet Franc Oak Knoll District Napa Valley California
Image Credit: Trefethen Estate Janet and John Trefethen founded Trefethen Estate over 50 years ago, and soon after opening, John tirelessly promoted Napa Valley as the newly elected president of the Napa Valley Grape Growers and Napa Valley Vintners. Their children, Hailey and Lorenzo, have followed their parents’ footsteps and have become involved in events promoted by the NVV. We met Lorenzo at Premier Napa Valley, and over the years, we have tasted quite a few of his wines. Trefethen 2021 Cabernet Franc has ethereal aromas of spice, cherry, cigar box, raspberry, black pepper, and plum, followed by flavors of cassis, jalapeño, blackberry, and tobacco leaf. Drink now or lie down for five to seven years.
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Jonata 2021 El Alma de Jonata Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara Central Coast California
Image Credit: Jonata Jonata is owned by Stan Kroenke, who also owns Domaine Bonneau du Martray in Burgundy and the well-known Screaming Eagle Estate in Napa Valley. His Central Coast winery team is led by winemaker Matt Dees, who proudly states that without a winemaking degree, he is not bound by the traditional philosophy usually associated with the credential. His 2021 El Alma de Jonata has aromas of graphite, tobacco leaf, red plum, and black raspberry. It has refined tannins, balanced acidity, and flavors of crushed violet petals, cranberry, blackberry, and pomegranate.
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Dr. Konstantin Frank 2022 Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes AVA New York
Image Credit: Dr. Konstantin Frank Dr. Konstantin Franck is considered to be one of the winemaking pioneers in the Finger Lakes AVA of New York. He emigrated from Odessa, Ukraine, in 1951, opened his eponymous winery in 1962, and his wines quickly attracted local (and eventually) international acclaim. Located on the southwestern shore of Keuka Lake, the winery offers an amazing visitor experience and was recently rated one of the Top 5 Best Tasting Rooms in America by USA Today. If you’ve read this far down, you’re about to be rewarded with one of New York Finger Lakes’ best (and underpriced in our opinion) Cabernet Francs. It has heady aromas of black cherry, red raspberry, summer farm stand, finely ground black pepper, and crushed violet petals. Bold and juicy in the mouth, it has tight tannins and flavors of red plum, black cherry, and dried Mediterranean herbs. At this price, buy it by the case for fall family get-togethers; you won’t be disappointed.