Vinoteket and Winefinder (a Swedish online wine shop) held a tasting with the first wines from a collaboration between three-star Michelin chef Björn Frantzén and Master Sommelier Ian Cauble. They presented 3 wines, of which I tasted two.
The first was the wine that was launched at this event, their Frantzén & Cauble Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 from Napa Valley. The wine is available at Vinoteket and Winefinder, can be ordered now for direct delivery since January 2026.
In addition to 85% cabernet sauvignon, a small amount of merlot and petit verdot has been included, in other words a classic Bordeaux blend. The alcohol content is, not surprisingly, 15%.
But the alcohol content is not felt at all, a very well-balanced wine where fruit, tannins and acidity hide it perfectly. There is some barrel notes, but it is well integrated and not at all disturbing. It’s really the fruit that’s the star. The aging has taken place in 20% new French oak barrels, the rest in neutral barrels.
Here’s what Ian Cauble, who participated via video link, says:
“Most grapes come from Santa Helena and Oakville. The Oakville grapes are about 500 m from the Harlan Estate. The Santa Helena grapes grow close to another famous estate, which I cannot name. It’s all ‘natural yeast’. Keep this wine at least 5-7 years, it will last up to 10 years. Serve at 13-15 degrees Celsius.”
Also included in the tasting was their first launch, a Frantzén & Cauble Châteauneuf-du-Pape. That wine is also available at Vinoteket and Winefinder. The wine was a classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, very elegant. Good to drink now, but will certainly be able to be aged for a long time. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, kept only in concrete tanks for 9 months, no oak. Again, the fruit is the star.
“This is just the beginning, we will continue the collaboration between Frantzén and Cauble. A white is coming, we are currently working with a producer in Burgundy, with a Bourgogne Blanc,” comments Winefinder.
My assessments:
Frantzén & Cauble Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
489 SEK
Aroma: Classic Napa-style cabernet sauvignon. Big fruit. Some barrel notes. Slight spiciness. Cassis. Elegance. Develops in the glass, grows, opens up.
Taste: Big fruit. Elegance. A bit closed today. Growing.
Aftertaste: Long. Lots of tannins. Closed, young. Needs time.
Typical Californian power wine and at the same time very elegant. Despite the price good value, considering what you have to pay for this quality in California.
And as Cauble says, put it in the cellar. It will be fantastic.
Sold exclusively through WineFinder and Vinoteket.
Available for order now.
They also release Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a Côte-Rôtie in limited editions; 600-3000 bottles. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is their wine no. 1, Napa Valley no. 2.
Frantzén & Cauble Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023
499 SEK
Aroma: Treading lightly. Young. Slight green notes. Some elegance. Growing.
Taste: Good fruit. Nice acidity. Elegance. Stylish.
Aftertaste: Slim. Young. Potential.
Classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, will age well. And for the quality, very affordable.
The wines can be purchased at Vinoteket-Winefinder. Some of Frantzen & Cauble’s wines can also be ordered via Systembolaget’s order assortment.
