Napa Valley, United States · USA
2019 Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend
Arrow & Branch's Cabernet Franc-inspired Napa Right Bank Blend 2019 — lavender and violet aromatics over polished tannins, just entering its prime drinking window.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2019
Drinking Window
In 2026: Approaching PeakDrinkable, but best years are ahead. Peak begins 2029.
Right now: In 2026, the Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend 2019 has entered its drinking window this year and is precisely at the early-open phase. The wine was designed to be drunk beginning in 2026, with peak expression projected from 2029 through 2039. Seven years of bottle age have softened the medium-full tannins noted at release and allowed the Cabernet Franc-led aromatic register — lavender, lilac, violet — to deepen and broaden beyond the primary fruit-forward phase. The freshness and precision that distinguish this wine from heavier Napa reds remain fully intact. This is a genuine drinking occasion right now, though the best bottles will reward another three to five years of patience.
Tasting Note
Perfumed aromas of lavender, lilac, red currant, cherry, and blackberry lead the nose with notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and graphite building in the background. The Cabernet Franc influence is unmistakable in the aromatic lift and floral register — this is a wine that announces itself as a Right Bank-inspired Napa blend rather than a standard Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant label. On the palate, the body is medium-full with vibrant acidity and supple, polished tannins that have integrated nicely with seven years of bottle age. A long, complex finish carries lingering floral and spice notes well past the swallow.
About Arrow & Branch
Arrow & Branch is a small-production Napa Valley winery crafting Cabernet Franc-driven blends inspired by the Right Bank of Bordeaux, where Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate rather than the Left Bank's Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking approach favors whole-cluster fermentation for a portion of the Cabernet Franc component, restrained new-oak élevage to preserve aromatic lift, and extended maceration to build the structural backbone that allows these wines to age.
Food Pairings
Herb-roasted leg of lamb with Nicoise olives
Cabernet Franc's herbal and floral lift harmonizes naturally with herb preparations, while the lamb's moderate fat and the olives' brine complement the wine's fine-grained tannin structure and bright acidity.
Duck breast with cherry gastrique and green peppercorns
The wine's cherry and dark-fruit core finds a direct bridge in the gastrique, while green peppercorn and duck fat provide savory depth that grounds the aromatic floral register without muting it.
Grilled portobello mushrooms with aged Manchego
Portobello's umami depth and Manchego's firm, nutty character provide the earthy counterpoint that Cabernet Franc's floral aromatics need to show their full complexity rather than floating without anchoring.
Service & Cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 62-65F (17-18C)
- Decanting
- In 2026, at the opening of the drinking window, decant 45 to 60 minutes to let the Cabernet Franc aromatics bloom fully — lavender and violet need air to open. From 2029 through the peak window, 30 minutes is sufficient. The wine's fine-grained tannins integrate well at this stage and do not need aggressive aeration.
- Cellar Storage
- 55F (13C), 60-70% humidity, bottle on its side.
Frequently Asked
When should I open the 2019 Arrow & Branch Right Bank Blend?
The drinking window opened in 2026 and the wine is drinking well right now, with peak expression projected from 2029 through 2039. Opening in 2026 offers a glimpse of the wine's full development, and those with multiple bottles can begin tasting while reserving the best for 2029 to 2033.
What distinguishes a Right Bank-style Napa blend?
Right Bank Bordeaux (Pomerol, Saint-Emilion) is dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc rather than Cabernet Sauvignon. Arrow & Branch applies this philosophy to Napa fruit, emphasizing Cabernet Franc's aromatic lift, floral register, and fine-grained tannins over the broader, more muscular structure of Cabernet Sauvignon-led Napa reds. The result is a more perfumed, mid-weight style with genuine food-friendliness.
How long should I decant this wine?
In 2026, plan 45 to 60 minutes in a wide decanter. The Cabernet Franc aromatics need air to open fully from a youthful state, and the dark chocolate and graphite notes on the nose emerge gradually with exposure. From 2029 onward, 30 minutes is typically sufficient.
What food pairs best with this style of wine?
The wine's floral aromatics, bright acidity, and fine-grained tannins pair naturally with herb preparations and moderate-fat proteins: herb-roasted lamb, duck with cherry, or mushroom-based dishes. Avoid very tannic or very rich preparations that would flatten the aromatic precision this wine is built around.
Is the 2019 Napa vintage reliable?
Yes. Wine Spectator awarded the 2019 Napa Valley vintage 96 points with a 'Classic' designation. The wet spring and cool, extended harvest produced wines described as ripe and lush yet well-defined — a vintage that balanced the concentration Napa collectors expect with the freshness that separates genuinely age-worthy wines from those that plateau quickly.
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