Rougiste

This offering is for the Cabernet Franc lovers and downright fans of kick-ass red wine that is guaranteed to alter your perception of the bold, the seductive, the enigmatic color red.

Decades ago, we were inspired to create Amuse Bouche in order to dispel the notion that Napa Valley could not produce a world class Merlot. Similarly, our mission for Rougiste is to showcase the beauty of balanced Cabernet Franc-dominant blends, such as Cheval Blanc...an incredible wine, responsible for one of my true "aha" moments. To express our reverence for miracles that come in red, our label depicts perhaps the very first such marvel, the parting of the Red Sea.

Winemaker Notes

The Cabernet Franc benefited from its 2000' elevation in 2022. Avoiding the quick ripening from a big heat spike the blocks coasted gently to a balanced one. Cabernet Franc brings the copious tannin structure with Merlot distributing it across the palate. A splash of Cabernet Sauvignon provides a burst of dark berry fruit to flesh out ripe red fruits and plum notes. Good to drink Now and will cellar well for the next 20-25 years.

Rougiste 2022 ('roo sheeste') is a blend of 68% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon from our vineyards in the Atlas Peak and Calistoga AVAs. The blend is aging for 18 months in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral French oak.

• Vineyards: Atlas Peak
• Blend: 68% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Aging: 18 months in 50% new French oak and 50% neutral French oak