2004 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc Premier Etage Napa Valley

An altogether different take on Cabernet Franc than its younger sibling below, the Premier Etage bottling is a full, slightly fatter and somewhat riper wine whose background of varietal tannins and its very sweet oak are both a little more obvious. Still, this is not an overly tough wine, and, while it could grow for another half-dozen years, it will find its way smoothed in the near term by well-seasoned roasts.

Good deep red. Aromas of boysenberry, blueberry and leather. Fatter and more generous than the 2006 North Coast bottling, but with a stronger oak component and a bit less energy and delineation of flavor. This slightly high-toned wine shows more oak tannins on the finish.