Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret, as its British-derived name
implies, is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine created in the same style as classic
Bordeaux. We use all five Bordeaux varietals in the blend—Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot—and harvest grapes from Napa
and Sonoma as well as the warmer El Dorado region.
Our 2006 Claret is supple and rich with smooth tannins, ripe berry flavors and
seductive aromas. Create a classic pairing by serving it with roasted lamb or a petite
filet with Gorgonzola butter.
Winemaker’s Notes:
The 2006 vintage marks the first year we produced Claret at our new home in Sonoma
County. Being able to craft the wine from start to finish at our own facility helps us
heighten the quality-level of Claret even further.
The growing season was long and cool in 2006 with moderate temperatures. We
didn’t start harvesting until after Labor Day, a winemaker’s dream. Our first Cabernet
came in from El Dorado County on September 26th and the grapes were some of
the best we’ve ever harvested. An early indication of grape quality is color in the
fermentor and in 2006 we had plenty. After Cabernet Sauvignon came Malbec and
Petit Verdot, both delivering exceptional color, weight and structure.
Perhaps, most exciting for us was the fact we could source Merlot and Cabernet
Franc this vintage from our Estate vines in Geyserville. As 2006 marks the first year
we blended in fruit from the Estate, we were extremely pleased to find that the
quality of the fruit surpassed our expectations.
