Kenzo Estate - Asuka Cabernet Franc 2021 (375ml)

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Price: $94.99

Producer	Kenzo Estate
Country	United States
Region	Napa Valley
Varietal	Cabernet Franc
Vintage	2021
Sku	119937
Size	375ml
ABV	15.20%

Kenzo Estate Description

Z Wine Guy

This vintage of Kenzo Estate Cabernet Franc is wonderfully approachable, with a high-energy aromatic core, and luxurious texture. In its youth, the 2021 asuka displays vivid aromatics of slate, dark fruit, cocoa, and violets, that invite you to linger at the edge of the glass. A touch of vanilla from French oak barrels, and a soft layer of oak tannin give this wine a palate weight more akin to Cabernet Sauvignon. But this wine is indeed true to its Cabernet Franc backbone, with bright fruit, and tannins suspended in distinct tension, that portend long years of ageability to come. Once called a “cult wine” by estate Viticulturist David Abreu, it seems that this vintage might in fact garner a new set of followers for the asuka label.

“No one else in Napa comes close to producing a Cabernet Franc at the fine level of asuka; I consider it a gift from Mother Nature to provide a wine that presents so fully ripe, and still maintains its freshness and purity.” -Estate Vineyard Manager David Abreu

asuka is the name of the town in the Nara Prefecture where founder Kenzo Tsujimoto was born. In Japanese, "asuka" signifies a bright future and hope for tomorrow, much like the long-lasting aroma and elegant palate of this wine that will impress today, tomorrow and beyond.

ACCOLADES
95 points JamesSuckling.com: "Succulent, deep and delicious, this wine goes in super-smoothly and chocolaty, then firms on the palate, with massive tannins that will need time to relax. Black cherries, baked plums, raspberry syrup and cocoa, with oak char, graphite, iron and star anise accents."

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Beautiful aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with violets, flowers, and crushed stone emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Franc Asuka. Based on 83% Cabernet Franc, 11.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 1.5% Petit Verdot, it's medium to full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with integrated acidity, ripe, building tannins, and outstanding length. Drink 2025-2037."

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aromatics of juicy ripe plum sprinkled with spiced cocoa combine with flavors of candied violet and hints of lavender. Palate-opening acidity and silken tannins carry into a long finish on this lush, mouthwatering wine." —Elaine Chukan Brown

2021 asuka TECHNICAL DETAILS

COLOR | Deep Purple

BOUQUET | Mineral, slate, cinnamon, savory, cedar, leather, dark cherry, dried fig, rhubarb

PALATE | Rich, dense, cocoa, dusty tannins, long finish

ORIGIN | Estate Bottled, Napa Valley

VINTNER | Kenzo Tsujimoto, WINEMAKER | Mark Nanes VITICULTURIST | David Abreu

CÉPAGE | Cabernet Franc (83%), Cabernet Sauvignon (11.5%), Merlot (4%), Petit Verdot (1.5%)

ALCOHOL | 15.2%

BARREL AGING | 20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak