Each week, I spotlight a wine that truly captivates—whether for its distinctive character, compelling backstory, or the simple joy it brings in the glass. This week’s feature, the 2020 William Harrison Cabernet Franc, delivers on all counts. Once considered just a supporting player in Bordeaux blends, Cabernet Franc has stepped into the spotlight in recent years—valued for its elegance, vibrant aromatics, and food-friendly structure. With its silky texture, complex layers, and sense of place, this wine reflects why Cabernet Franc is gaining traction among winemakers and wine lovers alike.

About William Harrison Winery

William Harrison Winery holds a special place in my heart—not just because it crafts one of my favorite Napa Valley Cabernet Francs, but because its roots run deep in California’s winemaking history.

Owner and winemaker Bill Harrison comes from a long line of vintners. His grandfather, Antonio Perelli-Minetti, emigrated from Italy in the early 1900s and was among the first winemakers in California to hold a formal degree in viticulture and enology. Antonio helped shape the state’s wine industry through his pioneering work in both the San Joaquin Valley and northern Mexico before ultimately returning to California. His daughter Conchita carried on the legacy, and today, Bill continues the tradition.

Bill grew up immersed in the rhythms of vineyard and cellar life. After earning a marketing degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from UC Berkeley—supported by a ROTC scholarship—he served as an Armor Officer in the U.S. Army. He later joined his uncle Mario at the California Wine Association, a wine marketing powerhouse co-owned by his grandfather and founded in 1894 by seven major producers—arguably America’s first wine monopoly.

When the family sold their stake in the business after Antonio’s passing, Bill ventured out on his own. A successful mobile bottling venture gave him the foundation to realize a dream: building his own winery in Napa Valley.

That dream took shape in 1993, when William Harrison Winery produced its first vintage. The estate vineyard, tucked into the northeastern edge of the Rutherford AVA, spans just seven acres but is packed with potential. Planted to all five classic Bordeaux red varieties, the site boasts gravelly, well-drained soils layered over ancient volcanic ash. These tough conditions force the vines to dig deep, resulting in low yields and intensely flavored fruit.

Production is small—just 1,600 cases a year—but each bottle reflects a sense of place and purpose. Whether it’s the structured Cabernet Sauvignon, the flagship Rutherford Reserve, or the soulful, single-varietal Cabernet Franc, William Harrison wines are crafted with integrity, intention, and deep respect for heritage.

2020 William Harrison Cabernet Franc

Medium crimson color with black cherry, blackberry, red currant, tobacco leaf, cedar, dried herb and a hint of violet aromas. On the palate, it’s poised and expressive – medium-bodied with juicy, mouthwatering acidity and velvety tannins with blackberry, red cherry, red currant, dark chocolate, and vanilla flavors with a long finish.

This is a wine that showcases what Cabernet Franc can be when it’s given center stage: elegant, layered, and unmistakably Napa Valley.

Final Thoughts

Cabernet Franc is having a well-earned moment. Once relegated to blending roles in Bordeaux-style wines, it’s now stepping into the spotlight thanks to vintners like Bill Harrison who understand its nuance and potential. With climate change prompting a reassessment of grape varieties and a growing appreciation for wines that balance elegance with structure, Cabernet Franc is perfectly positioned for broader recognition.

The 2020 William Harrison Cabernet Franc is a compelling case for why this grape deserves more solo performances. It’s a wine that honors tradition while offering a fresh, modern take—much like the man and the winery behind it.