One of the only wineries in Napa devoted exclusively to Cabernet Franc. John Skupny produces multiple expressions of the variety, from a fresh North Coast bottling to a serious Napa reserve.
Lang and Reed Wine Company is one of the only wineries in Napa Valley devoted exclusively to Cabernet Franc, the aromatic Bordeaux variety that most producers relegate to a minor blending role. Founded in 1996 by John Skupny and his wife Tracey, the label produces multiple expressions of Cabernet Franc that demonstrate the variety's range and versatility in ways that no blending-only approach can reveal. The single-variety focus is an act of advocacy as much as winemaking, making the case that Cabernet Franc deserves the same standalone attention that Napa Valley lavishes on Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winery sources from carefully selected Napa Valley vineyards that the Skupnys have identified as producing Cabernet Franc of distinctive character. The variety, which is the genetic parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, shows a different personality than its offspring: more aromatic, more herbal, lighter in body, and with a peppery spice that adds complexity to blends and makes it fascinating as a standalone wine. The sourcing spans multiple appellations, allowing the portfolio to showcase how different terroirs shape the variety.
John Skupny produces multiple bottlings that explore the range of Cabernet Franc expression. The North Coast bottling is the most accessible, showing the variety's bright fruit and herbal character. The Two-Fourteen (named for the 214 area code of the variety's ancestral home near the Loire Valley) is more structured and age-worthy. Additional bottlings explore specific vineyard sites and winemaking approaches, creating a portfolio that functions as a comprehensive education in Cabernet Franc.
Tastings are available in the Oak Knoll District, with the single-variety format creating one of the most focused and educational experiences in the valley. The staff are passionate advocates for Cabernet Franc and can explain why the variety deserves more attention than it typically receives. The $45 fee includes the full portfolio.
Lang and Reed matters because it champions a variety that Napa Valley has undervalued for decades. The exclusive focus on Cabernet Franc reveals the grape's full potential in a way that blending cannot, and the multiple bottlings demonstrate that the variety is as terroir-responsive and as age-worthy as its more famous offspring.
Contact the winery for full details about this experience, including availability and any special requirements.
