Release Date
Fall 2024
Vineyard Location
Lake County – Big Valley, California
Varietal Composition
Viniculture
72% Cabernet Franc 28% Merlot
Alcohol = 15.0%
pH = 3.85
TA = 5.2 g/L
Winemakers Notes
Our 2022 Début is a Cabernet Franc dominant red wine that has
been blended to highlight the best of two Bordeaux varietals and
showcases the rich elegance of two signature Northern California
vineyards.
The Cabernet Franc grapes were chosen from the Steele Vineyard,
while the Merlot that was blended was grown in the Hanson Ridge
Vineyard north of Napa in Lake County. Each of these vineyards is
expertly farmed using sustainable farming practices.
The grapes were fermented separately in small lots at cool
temperatures. This cooler method creates a longer fermentation
that accentuates the fruit flavors while adding complexity. To avoid
extraction of harsh tannins, no pumps were used until after the
wine was pressed off the skins. The bins were hand-punched daily
and gently stirred.
Harvest Date: 9/28/2022 Cabernet Franc, the Merlot 10/12/2022
Cases produced: 168
Bottled May 15th, 2024
Tasting Notes
This 2022 Debut from Wandering Cellars is a bold and vibrant wine
that beautifully melds the red fruit, herbal, and spice aromas. The
palate is greeted with dark cherries, cocoa, and a hint of red apple
peel, leading to a wine that is broad, mouth-filling, and elegantly
structured. Silky tannins provide a refined texture, while the wine
maintains focus from the initial sip to its long, lingering finish. With
a perfect balance of freshness and acidity, this wine promises to
age gracefully over the next decade, through it can be thoroughly
enjoyed now. For the best experience, we recommend decanting
before serving.