We believe in the power of blending the classic Bordeaux varieties for the same reason the French do: it makes the wines better. Cabernet provides the power and structure, merlot texture and aromatics and cabernet franc is a bit like MSG as it lifts, brightens and adds excitement to the wine. This blending process is an important part of what we do at Cornerstone Cellars.

Well most of the time. The fact is the 2012 Cornerstone Cellars Cabernet Franc Black Label, Napa Valley is one hundred percent cabernet franc. We did not plan it that way, but the wine insisted and it's our job to listen to what the wine has to say, not tell it what to do.

Blending trial after blending trial ended up the same way with the unblended Cabernet Franc being the winner. There was simply nothing this cabernet franc needed so we decided to do exactly that - nothing.

Cabernet franc and the warm, long 2012 vintage were made for each other. The perfect fall weather allowed the grapes to ripen slowly at the end, coasting in to full ripeness without losing the natural herbal edge that defines cabernet franc. The result is a wine with the richness of Napa Valley that is still lifted, bright and mouthwatering.

While this wine is one hundred percent cabernet franc, it is still a blend as we have combined fruit from three exceptional vineyards for our Black Label Cabernet Franc and each of them add something special: Our Oakville Station Vineyard in To Kalon adds depth, power and a velvety texture; the Talcott Vineyard in St. Helena gives structure and richness; the Carrefour Vineyard in Coombsville brings lift, freshness and classic cabernet franc aromatics. Together they create something very, very special.