Fernweh Waldbaden Cab Franc 2020

Fernweh Wine Co is a Los Angeles-based project founded in 2020 by Berlin-native Sebastian Lowa. The label sources exclusively from biodynamic and organic farms in Santa Barbara County, and the Waldbaden Cabernet Franc comes from Martian Ranch Vineyard, a 20-acre Demeter-certified biodynamic estate on Alisos Canyon Road near Los Alamos. The Cabernet Franc planted there is the DeRose clone on 101-14 rootstock, with vineyards established in 2008.

Grapes were hand-harvested on September 21, 2020, fermented with native yeast in open-top fermenters with 25% whole cluster inclusion, and macerated for 15 days before pressing. The wine aged for 7 months in neutral barrels with no additions noted. Only 35 cases were produced.

On the nose: fire-grilled poblano pepper, black cherry, and a distinct campfire smokiness. The palate follows with black currant, bitter cocoa, and toasted tobacco on the finish. The whole-cluster component adds a savory, slightly stemmy lift that keeps the fruit from reading too heavy. Serve lightly chilled at around 58-62F.