The Santa Cruz Mountains has had a long and compelling history with Bordeaux varietals in California, and from the start of Methode Sauvage I knew I wanted to explore its potential with varietally focused Cabernet Franc. The historic Bates Ranch has been farmed by the Bates family for four generations, alongside Mount Madonna on the Eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Warm days and cool nights aid in slowly ripening the fruit, building character while retaining freshness and acidity. In 2016 I decided to ferment the Cabernet Franc using 100% whole cluster fermentation, amplifying the wild herbaceousness of the forest terroir, and accenting notes of salty black fruit, fresh pepper, and ripe plums.