Napa Valley ‘Right Bank’ Bordeaux Style Wines

Robert Parker – Wine Advocate (93 Points)
“This serious, small, artisinal operation is owned by Scott Palazzo, who, along with his wine consultant Peter Franus, is turning out some complex, French-inspired wines. This 100% Cabernet Franc reveals beautiful aromas of cedar, herbs, raspberries, black currants, and a touch of toasty oak. The wine exudes complexity, medium to full body, stunningly sweet fruit and tannins, and an ethereal sense of airiness with no heaviness. Its velvety texture and burgeoning complexity are seductive. Drink this lovely Cabernet Franc over the next 8-10 years.”

It began almost 30 years ago… a love affair with the wines produced from the Bordeaux region of France. Particularly, wines from the small, family owned Chateau’s that dot the rolling hillsides of the beautiful ‘Right Bank’ countryside of St. Emilion & Pomerol. It is from there, that my inspiration and passion for producing PALAZZO WINE continues to come.

After releasing the first two vintages of my ‘Right Bank’ inspired Palazzo Napa Valley Red Wine, I was hugely honored when chef / owner, Thomas Keller, asked if I would produce an ‘exclusive bottling’ of Palazzo 2005 Cabernet Franc for his famous restaurants… The French Laundry in Napa Valley… Per Se in New York City…and Bouchon in Las Vegas. Of course I said ‘YES!’

I am very excited to be announcing the release of my ‘first bottling’ available to the marketplace, of my new PALAZZO 2006 Cabernet Franc! The wine is made from grapes from Truchard Vineyards in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. I continue to feel that this area, more so than other growing regions in Napa Valley, produces fruit more reminiscent both in flavor & complexity, like fruit from the ‘Right Bank’ region of Bordeaux.

The PALAZZO 2006 Cabernet Franc is a ‘beautiful & elegant’ wine from Napa Valley . The nose is delicate & floral, filled with wonderful aromas of crushed violets & rose petals, with hints of raspberry frambois. On the palate the wine shows a finesse, structure and acidity rarely seen in Napa Valley Cabernet Francs. The wine ‘dances on the palate’ with a purity and brightness ... revealing crushed cherries & raspberry fruit ... mixed with a spiciness and supple texture that provides a rich, wonderful month feel and a beautiful, elegant finish.

Our goal at PALAZZO is, and always will be, to produce beautiful wines of outstanding quality, with distinction and class! Wines that are both ‘powerful and elegant’ … and pair well with a broad range of foods … Reminiscent of the style and quality of wines that come from the wonderful ‘Right Bank’ region of Bordeaux, Franc!