It is rare for a winery to make its mark after just three vintages. It’s even more rare to make that mark based on a grape used more often for blending than as a single varietal. Dracaena Wines has managed to stake its claim early as a winery to watch by doing both.
Based in Paso Robles, California, Dracaena Wines (pronounced druh-see-nuh) has built their winery around Cabernet Franc, a grape generally used for blending, added to other Bordeaux varieties to play a supporting role while leaving the lead to Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. As a blending partner to these better-known varietals, Cabernet Franc is often forgotten and not recognized as a varietal that can stand on its own. Ironically, Cabernet Franc is actually the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon (along with Sauvignon Blanc).
We asked Draceana’s proprietors Lori and Michael Budd why they decided to focus on a grape that seems to fall outside the mainstream, “We fell in love with wines made predominantly from Cabernet Franc for their aroma, body and ability to pair with food. Secondly, once we visited Paso Robles, it became a natural fit to make Cab Franc from the outstanding growers in this region.”
Lucy, an Australian Weimaraner with a bottle of Dracaena.
The winery’s name is an unusual one but similar to many wineries worldwide, it is a name connected to a family member. “Dracaena is the genus name of the plant better known as the Draco plant. The taxonomy name allowed us to combine our scientific backgrounds while honoring the memory of our adored Weimaraner, Draco in our winemaking endeavor.” It is Draco’s likeness that adorns the label and their love for Weimaraners that has resulted in customers sending photos of their “weimies” with their wine.
2013 Cabernet Franc
When we first tasted Dracaena Wines’ 2013 Cabernet Franc (the inaugural vintage), we were more than just pleasantly surprised. We were suitably impressed and rated it as “excellent”. That wine is made from 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petite Syrah from West Side Ranch in Paso Robles’ sweet spot, the Adelaida District. Medium to dark red in colour, the nose was very fragrant, offering up scents of black currants, and black cherries with nuances of tobacco leaf. The body was medium plus and the tannins were still noticeable at its young age but they were sweet and not astringent or rough. There was a lovely texture to this wine that gave it a soft mouthfeel, punctuated with a very precise and long finish.
2014 Cabernet Franc
But would this be Freshman luck or was this a sign of great things to come? Their 2014 vintage took home a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition two years ago. We found it to be a more delicate wine than their debut with greater complexity. The sophomore offering is 90% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petite Syrah from the West Side Ranch vineyard. Notes of blackcurrant, cherry, plum are backed with tobacco and a hint of mint. It showed great structure and also had a nice long finish. Another excellent in our books!
Recently their 2015 Vintage was awarded a Double Gold Medal, easily putting aside any notions of “luck” to their winemaking. It is 100% Cabernet Franc from the Plummer Vineyard, a property known for its unique row orientation (WSW to ENE) for the purpose of decreasing direct sunlight thus reducing sunburn of the fruit and allowing for more flexibility with hang time during harvest.
2017 Rosé of Syrah
Despite their love of Cabernet Franc, Dracaena have recently expanded their wine production to include their first vintage of Rosé made from Syrah. It has just been bottled and is set to be released March 1st but can be pre-ordered via their website. Based on their award-winning Cabernet Franc, we strongly recommend you find it and buy as much as you can.
Tel: 805-270-3327
February 12, 2018
What a great article! I have to say that I am a big fan of this wine and winemaker. This is my second year of tasting and I am so excited about their upcoming release of a rose!
February 12, 2018
Agreed, we look forward to doing a more in-depth article but wanted to do more than just a tasting note. Can’t wait try their Rose!
February 11, 2018
Well that seems timely, I actually just had a straight Cab Franc last night, but from South Australia ?
February 11, 2018
Curious to taste that side by side to see the differences between Aussie & California!
February 10, 2018
I adore Cab Franc and I am fascinated hearing of the Dracaena Wines. Paso is such an interesting place and I find it interesting that they have done Cab Franc from both West Side and East Side Paso. I need to search out an occasion and place to taste their wines!
February 10, 2018
Thank you Robin. Yes, you are absolutely right- big differences between East and West Paso. We are available online through our website. Or if you are in Paso we are featured in The Wine Boss and Farmstead Catering and Kitchen. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
February 10, 2018
I’ve been reading their blogs and seeing their social for the past few years but have yet to try the wines. I’ll be down in Solvang and the region next weekend, hopefully I’ll see it someplace so I can try it. Cheers.
February 10, 2018
Definitely worth a try, we happen to like Cab Franc as a single varietal and they’re doing it well.
February 10, 2018
Enjoy Solvang Sarah. We love it there. We are not in any of the retail stores down there. But we are available in several locations in Paso and in Fresno.
February 10, 2018
We Are so looking forward to trying your wines, I love your focus on cab franc.
February 10, 2018
I wish we were winemakers! Lori & Michael Budd are behind this wine, we’re happy to taste & write about it 🙂
February 10, 2018
Thank you Alyse. We have adored Cab Franc for many years and we knew this was what we wanted to make as our flagship wine. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
February 7, 2018
Thank you so much for your continued support We appreciate your kind words!! And for bringing our wine to meet Lucy!
February 7, 2018
Our absolute pleasure! We really look forward to doing an in depth interview with you in Paso soon!