A work of art inside and out

Not only is Cyclone a luscious Bordeaux blend, but it features a stunning artwork from California native Sam Francis.

Considered one of the most important representatives of Abstract Expressionism, Sam’s paintings are found in major museums and collections throughout the world. He produced murals, watercolors, lithographs, and sculptures. Sam began painting in 1944 while recovering in the hospital from an injury due to a plane crash in World War II, and subsequently moved to Paris in 1950 to study under the renowned Fernand Leger. 

Sam also spent time in Japan, and was greatly influenced by Japanese contemplative art, as well as philosophy.Sam returned to his home state, California, in 1961, eventually settling in Santa Monica, where his work took on Minimalist features.  Sam’s work also showcased his fascination with the color blue, inspired by personal events in his life.A great lover of food and wine, Sam discovered Wally’s in the late 1960’s and became both a friend and a regular customer. 

Sam loved White Burgundies and Bordeaux-styled reds of California, and two of Sam’s works were used as labels for Caymus and Stags Leap.  Sam’s enduring friendship with Steve Wallace of Wally’s led to Sam’s creation of a guache which was used for a Syrah in the 1970’s. Steve had always wanted to showcase Sam’s work for another special wine, but it was only recently that Steve discovered a blend noteworthy enough to have a Sam Francis work on the bottle.

Cyclone features the Francis work originally commissioned by Steve in the 1970’s.  Estate grown and produced from the prestigious State Lane address in Yountville (from a producer used to receiving very high scores from Robert Parker), Cyclone is a masterful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that has recently been bottled, unfined and unfiltered, following a nearly two-year rest in fine French oak barrels. This multi-faceted red wine will amaze you with its silky mouth feel and broad range of flavors – and we are thrilled to carry this special wine at Wally’s.