Asuka is the name of the town in the Nara Prefecture where founder Kenzo Tsujimoto was born, and when translated, represents "a bright future," and "hope for tomorrow." This 2018 vintage elevates the classic elements of Cabernet Franc, an approachable wine with signature intense aromatics that jump from the glass. Gentle and vibrant on the palate, refined tannins and bright acidity provide a bold freshness, with a long finish - a triumph of the Estate vineyards ready to enjoy now and into the future.
NEW RELEASE April 2021
94+ points | Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, "Bright... refreshing... bold."
“This is a precise and intense Cabernet Franc that has so much fruit and chocolate character. It's full-bodied with polished tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Not many Cabernet Francs like this around.”
James Suckling on asuka
AWARDS, 2018 Vintage
94+ Points | Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
COLOR
Deep Purple
Bouquet
Black pepper, spice, blackberry, blueberry, floral, pepperwood, cocoa, and granite
Palate
Medium-bodied, soft, delicate tannins
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (80%), Cabernet Sauvignon (9%), Merlot (9%), Petit Verdot (2%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
15.2%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak
Color
Dark ruby red
Bouquet
Floral notes, cocoa, coffee, cassis, white pepper, spice, blueberry & bright red fruit
Palate
Soft and well balanced with lush tannins and a lingering finish
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (89%), Cabernet Sauvignon (7%), Malbec (4%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
15.2%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak
Awards 2016 Vintage
95 points & Editors' Choice | Wine Enthusiast
95 points | James Suckling
Color
Deep purple
Bouquet
Honeysuckle, cinnamon, nutmeg, forest floor, currant, blueberry preserves, orange zest, violet
Palate
Blackberry compote, vanilla, cassis, lush tannins
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (96%), Cabernet Sauvignon (4%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
15.2%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak
Awards
96 points | James Suckling
Top 100 American Wine of 2018 | James Suckling
Color
Vibrant, rich purple
Bouquet
Honeysuckle, black pepper, sage, forest floor, currant, blueberry preserves, orange zest, rose petal
Palate
Red plum, vanilla, cassis, lush tannins
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (100%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
15.2%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak
Color
Dark garnet
Bouquet
White pepper, currant, blueberry, cassis, violets, mint, rose petal
Palate
Vanilla, fresh blueberries, dried cranberries, fine tannins, medium body
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (76%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Merlot (8%), Malbec (1.5%), Petit Verdot (1.5%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
15.2%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 50% new French oak, 50% neutral French oak
Color
Dark purple
Bouquet
Dark cherry, earth, chocolate
Palate
Supple tannins gently reveal chocolate, raspberry and notes of mocha
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (94%), Merlot (6%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
14.8%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 60% new French oak, 40% neutral French oak
Color
Dark purple
Bouquet
Dark cherry, plum, earth
Palate
Supple tannins gently reveal chocolate, plum and notes of mocha
Origin
Estate Bottled, Napa Valley
Vintner
Kenzo Tsujimoto
Winemaker
Heidi Barrett
Viticulturist
David Abreu
Cépage
Cabernet Franc (94.1%), Merlot (5.9%)
Volume
1.5L, 750ml, 375ml
Alcohol
14.8%
Barrel Aging
20 months in 60% new French oak, 40% neutral French oak