Notes from the Archivist

"Lucid Moment"

Cabernet Sauvignon built Napa’s reputation. But as of 2024 Cab Franc surpassed it as the most expensive grape in the Napa Valley. 

What better way to capture this inversion. This sign of the times, then with a full collaboration with our friends at THE Zeitgeist Cellars. Zero redactions. Six choice barrels. Raised by two of Napa’s most decorated winemakers and shepherded into the world under Archival’s roof. 

We champion Cab Franc here. We lean on it for our blends. And this one? Our second varietal-designate release? A 100% pure, unadulterated, and dead-sexy take on it. 

And Zeitgeist, well they make some of the best around. At an annual, invite-only “Franc Off” held by a collector here in the valley, 30 winemakers and industry leaders gather to find the best examples. Everything tasted blind. And Zeitgeist seems to always find itself at the top of this revered tasting. 

Hardly surprising – Jennifer Williams and Mark Porembski make a formidable duo. Jen spent formative years at Pahlmeyer, Spotswoode and Kelly Fleming before settling in at Arrow & Branch in 2011. And Mark has been with Anomaly Winery for decades. 

Together, this husband and wife team make a very small amount under their personal label, Zeitgeist. They began the project in 2007, where they continue to produce 1000 cases annually.

So, when Mark and Jen were interested in collaborating with us on a Cab Franc from a single vineyard in Coombsville? 

Total no brainer.

Bobby and Mark tasted the barrels together, agreeing on a six-barrel selection that needed no blending, no changes…it was perfect just the way it was. 

It took some coaxing, but after agreeing on a fair price, everything came together. With “Lucid Moment” falling well short of the usual $90-$200+ their wines command.

Entry 020 – “Lucid Moment” shows a deft richness. All the hallmarks of the 2023 vintage on display here: balance, purity of aromatics, and engaging character…  A river of red and black fruit unfurls with crushed cassis, dried cherries and red plums. Graphite, cedar shavings, and the expected tobacco-dried herbs from Cab Franc carry into the finish with perfectly integrated, subtly toasted spiciness. Gorgeously fresh, with eager acidity and fine grained, ripe tannins rounding it all out – fantastic stuff!

Our previous Cab Franc was a sleeper hit from our first round of releases. It quickly rose the ranks to become one of our favorites. Similarly, it came from a small family producer we trusted and admired. Unlike “The Shepherd”, Lucid Moment leaves nothing to the imagination…least of all the incredible value it delivers.