Description
Paradigm Winery is a family-owned Oakville estate founded by Ren and Marilyn Harris in the 1970s, farming their vineyards sustainably in the heart of Napa Valley’s benchlands and selling fruit to top neighbors before launching their own label. Today the winery is best known for site-driven Bordeaux varieties crafted by winemaker Heidi Barrett, who emphasizes balanced ripeness, restrained oak, and attentive vineyard work so that Paradigm’s Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon clearly reflect their Oakville origins while remaining approachable and food-friendly.
Paradigm farms its 48 acres of estate vineyards in Oakville using sustainable practices, with a long-standing focus on soil health, careful water use, and environmental stewardship. The estate is Napa Green certified, participates in programs such as 1% for the Planet, and has been recognized locally for leadership in sustainable viticulture, reflecting practices like cover cropping, habitat protection, and minimizing chemical inputs while keeping all wines estate-grown from vine to bottle.
The 2022 Paradigm Cabernet Franc from Oakville is vibrant and expressive, showing a deep ruby hue and lifted aromas of ripe blueberry, elderberry, and redcurrant accented by notes of black tea, rosemary, anise, and a subtle hint of bell pepper that speaks to true Cabernet Franc character. The palate is medium‑plus to full‑bodied yet nimble, with mouthcoating blue and red fruits, savory herbal tones, and a fine spine of acidity; grainy, well-knit tannins frame a long, gently tart finish where red cherry, cranberry, and dried tobacco leaf linger, making this a versatile partner for grilled meats or herb‑rubbed tenderloin.
