FRANC Cabernet Franc
Fresh, savory, Loire-minded Cabernet Franc with California fruit: dark plum, black tea, tarragon, sage, and a dry, food-ready finish.
Why this bottle matters
A small-production Cabernet Franc that feels bright, savory, and useful. Not heavy. Not over-oaked. Just enough fruit, herb, and grip to make dinner better.
Source
North Coast Cabernet Franc with a Loire-inspired frame.
Texture
Native yeast, ~25% whole cluster, amphora, and neutral puncheon.
Score
93 points from Wine Enthusiast for a wine still priced like a weeknight red.
Window
Drink now through 2028. Decant 20–30 minutes.
Critic-backed, dinner-ready
The spread is obvious
Slash Price
Reference
Reference
Fresh fruit, savory edge, clean finish
Fruit
Dark plum, blackberry, mulberry, Bing cherry.
Savory
Black tea, tobacco leaf, tarragon, sage.
Structure
Chalky tannins, dry finish, bright lift.
Built for texture, not makeup
Native yeast. Roughly 25% whole cluster. Eleven months in sandstone amphora and neutral French oak puncheons. The result is Cabernet Franc with grip, lift, and a savory spine.
A Cabernet Franc project with a point of view
T. Berkley Wines was founded by Taylor Berkley Boydstun around a clear idea: Cabernet Franc deserves the main stage in California. FRANC makes that thesis easy to taste.
Cook lamb. Open this.
Lamb Chops with Balsamic Reduction
Why it works: balsamic and rosemary echo the wine’s tea leaf, sage, and dry tannins.
Grilled Lamb Chops
Why it works: char and fat pull the dark fruit forward while the wine’s acidity keeps it fresh.
A smart six-pack red
93 points. 710 cases. $18. Bright enough for Tuesday, interesting enough for the cellar.
Open
Lamb, mushrooms, roast chicken, burgers.
Cellar
Hold through 2028 for more tea, tobacco, and dried herb.
Gift
For the friend who likes reds with freshness and a point of view.
