Somnium Estate Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2021

Danica Patrick, former IndyCar, and NASCAR racing driver is the dynamic, energetic, impassioned, aspiring, and joyful soul behind this rising brand.  The success of Somnium is no surprise when you consider Danica’s previous achievements - she has pushed boundaries in male-dominated professions and continuously encourages other women to dream big.  Danica says, “I named the vineyard Somnium, which means dream in Latin, because I thought owning my own winery was something that would just be a dream, but it eventually became a reality.  I can’t tell you how many times I have signed an autograph for a child and added the note --dream big!  It is a life motto--it’s how I think, how I live and what I preach!  My dreams never stop, and they continue to evolve.  Now that Somnium is a reality, my next dream is to create an environment and experience where it is easy for others to fall in love with Napa Valley, just like I did so many years ago.”

The Somnium Vineyard sits just below the AVA line of Howell Mountain, a 22-acre property of which only six acres have been planted with vines between 1,000 and 1,375 feet in elevation, facing directly southwest and west which allows the vines to benefit from maximum sun exposure.  The high elevation keeps the vineyard five degrees cooler than the valley floor below, resulting in a steady growing season and the added benefit of the late afternoon sun exposure.  The volcanic hillside consists of extremely rocky, iron-rich soils, promoting small berry clusters and eventual flavor concentration.  Superstar winemaker Julien Fayard has led the winemaking team since the 2018 vintage. “Julien displayed great ability for being very versatile with the wines he was making.  With his winemaking style and expertise behind the brand, it feels like we are stepping into a new phase,” Danica said.

Despite its integral part in some of Napa Valley’s most iconic blends and importance in the heritage of varietal favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, it is not until recent years that Cabernet Franc has stepped into the single-varietal spotlight.  Before the current resurgence, the vines were sparsely planted, and most properties had a few acres solely for their red wine blends.  This scarcity meant vineyards rarely had additional fruit to sell; therefore, as it has grown in popularity, the price per ton has risen substantially.  In 2021, Cabernet Franc was the most expensive grape in Napa Valley, outpricing Cabernet Sauvignon by $1,300 per ton.  Many of us know Cabernet Franc for its characteristic green, vegetal aromas, which derive from the naturally occurring pyrazines in the grape.  However, Cabernet Franc goes far beyond this “stereotype,” while prized for bringing bright acidity and rich texture to blends, those same traits shine tremendously on their own when the grape is farmed correctly and in the right terroir.

As one of Danica’s favorite varietals, it is befitting that Somnium has released its inaugural 2021 Estate Cabernet Franc.  The fruit comes from one block on the organically farmed vineyard, thriving in the parcel’s andesite and basalt-heavy volcanic soils.  A long aging of almost 24 months in 60% new French oak added complexity and layers while coaxing rich flavors of spiced chocolate and freshly roasted coffee beans.  Plush yet powerful tannins give backbone to the peak of blue and black fruits and the baseline of minerality.  Julien recommends a generous decant when drinking now and notes his expectations to be enjoying the evolution of this Cabernet Franc for years to come.