{"product_id":"kenzo-estate-asuka-cabernet-franc-2018-375ml","title":"Kenzo Estate - Asuka Cabernet Franc 2021 (375ml)","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.   \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e“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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003easuka 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eACCOLADES \u003cbr\u003e95 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e94 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.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e93 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\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2021 asuka TECHNICAL DETAILS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCOLOR | Deep Purple \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBOUQUET | Mineral, slate, cinnamon, savory, cedar, leather, dark cherry, dried fig, rhubarb\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePALATE | Rich, dense, cocoa, dusty tannins, long finish \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eORIGIN | Estate Bottled, Napa Valley\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVINTNER | Kenzo Tsujimoto,  WINEMAKER | Mark Nanes  VITICULTURIST | David Abreu\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCÉPAGE | Cabernet Franc (83%), Cabernet Sauvignon (11.5%), Merlot (4%), Petit Verdot (1.5%)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eALCOHOL | 15.2% \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBARREL AGING | 20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kenzo Estate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44333544931552,"sku":"119937","price":94.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/products\/kenzo-estate-asuka-cabernet-franc_1.jpg?v=1699393867","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/kenzo-estate-asuka-cabernet-franc-2018-375ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}