97 Points & Under $25: Hidden Gem Cab Franc

2021 T Berkley "Ophelia" Sonoma Valley Cabernet Franc (Elsewhere $35) ($24.95)

97 points Decanter: "Immediately evokes Old World style on the nose, with a bouquet of mushrooms, arboreal earth and a tinge of black fruit, but on the palate, a generous helping of dried currant, figs and plums. Atypical for a varietal Cabernet Franc in that the pyrazine note is next to nonexistent. But there is a freshness and acid backbone that threads beautifully through a well-balanced and delightful wine. (JG)" (02/2024)

Ryan Woodhouse | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 02, 2024

OK, I'll admit, this wine had to work hard to impress me...I'm not a huge fan of Cab Franc in general, or at least I'm really picky about which ones I like to drink. Many can be really green and herbal, while others (especially in Napa) can get very ripe and exotic, but lack the grounding that Cabernet Sauvignon's muscular structure gives similar bombastic wines. Well, this wine hits the sweet spot right in between the two. The Ophelia still captures the elegant, fragrant aromatics of Cab Franc but without any overpowering, weedy, green, pyrazine characters. Subtle bramble leaf on the nose with hints of lavender and dried herbs. The fruit is perfectly ripened with lovely blackcurrant and mulberry fruit. Hints of cigar box, damp leaves, graphite, and potting soil. Super fine tannins, very refined and silky, perfect balance and proportion. Such a beautiful, versatile wine with tons of class and refinement. I can totally see why Decanter went gaga over this bottle, it really is a charmer. Drink now, or anytime over the next decade at least.

Alexandre Tweedie | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 28, 2024

I love Cabernet Franc, I love Sonoma Valley, I love this wine! Densely layered with purple flower petals, fresh tilled black earth, and gorgeous shades of dried fruit and harvest preserves. A tannin structure that reminds me of a walnut liqueur like Nocino - drying and tingly, but these tannin transition back into the semi-bitter notes violet flowers, enhancing a greater picture of depth and layering. Fig spread, pine thistles, fir tree tops, and not a single note of bell pepper or poblano (the classic pyrazines that can sometimes turn consumer off from Cabernet Franc), so if you're a Franc skeptic, Ophelia might just be able to change your mind entirely on the varietal - Favorite Cab Franc of the entire year here for me, just dead-set delicious!