The 2023 Cabernet Franc is one of the most elusive wines ever released by Hertelendy — just 43 cases drawn from Napa’s most revered volcanic mountain sites, including Atlas Peak and our estate Rockwell Ridge Vineyard, positioned in the Crystal Springs AVA (just below Howell Mountain’s storied slopes).

The 2023 blend — Cabernet Franc at its core, seamlessly supported by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — was shaped with uncompromising precision, then aged 23 months in predominantly new French and Hungarian oak. The result is a wine of striking presence and velvet authority: aromatic, layered, and deeply expressive, with a silken texture that belies its power.

Dark mountain fruit, savory spice, and subtle floral lift unfold in measured waves, framed by finely polished tannins and a long, luxurious finish that lingers with quiet intensity. This is Cabernet Franc elevated to its most seductive form — confident, structured, and unforgettable.

The 2023 Cabernet Franc is a true collector’s prize. Commanding yet graceful, it is a wine that will not wait to be discovered. Once claimed, it will not return.

If you are interested in purchasing this wine and a Wine Club Member, please log into your account to acquire. If you are not a Wine Club Member and interested in this special allocated wine, email us at info@hertelendy.com to inquire.

Once again, the label comes to life (with the free Heavy Metal AR app). Enjoy!

Retail: $135
Classic Club: $114.75
Elite Club: $107.99
Join our Wine Club Membership today! 

FOOD PAIRING: Duck confit, rack of lamb, oysters rockefeller, and Italian truffle cheese
MUSIC PAIRING: Cab Franc-enstein

Wine Profile

Ratings

"Instantly impressive, the 2023 Cabernet Franc seduces with captivating freshness and a seamless character. Brilliant and expressive, this wine features a soft, sweet herbaceous note that dances alongside succulent dark red berry flavors. With a full body and an abundance of freshness that cascades across the palate, it slowly evolves to unveil even more complexities, showcasing an expressive profile that is expertly balanced. The overall impression is bold and complete. Bravo! This is a generous and delicious Cabernet Franc! " —  Anthony Mueller, 99 points

"The 2023 Hertelendy Cabernet Franc is 80% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. This wine is deep ruby and opaque; the aromatics indicate some of the typicity of this variety highlighting its herbal characters but never any greenness; these include red chili spice, shishito pepper, dried herbs including smoked sage, tobacco leaf, cracked pepper and old cedar box. Its fruit is dark including blackberry, boysenberry and dark plum. We love the tension here, the interplay between the fruit, texture and acidity. This is a big boy, but is already balanced. Its flavors include cherry, blackberry, boysenberry, Persian mulberry and blueberry. The finish is already showing a balanced cadence, with tannins tumbled with a rounded and dusty texture. Their presence is long-lasting, in parallel with fruit on the extended and brightly lit finish. This wine is like a mid 20ish year-old human who has figured out how to control their energy and is in the prime of their youth. It has plenty of crowd appeal, yet also a wine that serious wine enthusiasts will fully appreciate. Only 43 cases were produced of this beauty." — Napa Wine Project, 98-100 points

"The 2023 Cabernet Franc from Hertelendy is a wonderful showing. It delivers an inviting aromatic profile, led by ripe blackberry and dark cherry notes accented by floral violet tones, warm spices, and a gentle touch of mountain sage. The palate is medium to full-bodied and expressive, displaying impressive poise, balanced by bright, refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively and focused. Layers of ripe fruit are complemented by subtle warm spice nuances, adding depth and dimension throughout as polished guide the wine into a long, supple finish. This blend is crafted from 80% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Merlot."  — International Wine Report, 96 Points

"A delightful bottling, the 2023 Hertelendy ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Franc has a portion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon blended in. This is decadent and delicious stuff that is already drinking beautifully. Arabica bean and huckleberry compote flavors meld well with graphite, Provencale herbs and refined tannins on the palate. Full-bodied and filled with salty minerality, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042." — Owen Bargreen, 96 Points

"A blend of 80% Cabernet Franc, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot aged 23 months in French and Hungarian oak, the 2023 Cabernet Franc has a saturated purple hue and a gorgeous perfume of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with spring flowers, rose petals, chocolate, and orange blossom nuances. I love its floral, herbal, exotic character, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, graceful mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, and integrated acidity. It's beautifully done and shines for its complexity and elegance while still bringing ample power. It will have 15 years or more of longevity." — Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points

"There are just 43 cases of Hertelendy's 2023 Cabernet Franc, which was blended with 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% each Merlot and Petit Verdot. Complex aromas of pea shoots and violets join with cherries and raspberries on the nose, while the medium- to full-bodied palate is velvety in feel, drawing to a long, mouthwatering finish."  — Robert Parker Wine Advocate, 93 Points

"Aromas of blackcurrants, bitter chocolate, raspberry liqueur, tobacco leaves and cedar. The palate is full-bodied with finely tuned tannins and a plush, rounded mouthfeel. Plenty to like here with good balance. Drink or hold." — James Suckling, 93 Points