Mount Baker Vineyards
Cabernet Franc
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
A lark pick up at Total Wine, because I'm a sucker for Cabernet Franc and the low ABV of 12.6% made me think that this bottle may deliver more than just new world fruit and spice. Established by a retired surgeon, the winery experimented with many varietals until settling on those that do best in the Puget Sound AVA (e.g. Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, Pinot Noir). This Cab Franc was sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA though, known for producing high quality WA wine. Not much else I can tell you about the winemaker, but the grape itself is a wonderful pairing wine as it's acid helps to cut through fatty meals and the tannins are not too assertive even when young. Paired this one with a spicy eggplant and green bean coconut curry! I wish I had more! ~$18 | #cabernetfranc #yakimavalley #mountbakervineyards
On the eyes: Bright, orange-cherry red color, clear with light stain, light tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: Cherry with hints of black currant and raspberry. Crisp dried leaf notes rounded by gravel. Med- alcohol.
On the tongue: med soft tannins, med alcohol, med acid, med body, nice and round in the mouth. Peppery dried cherry and raspberry, forest floor with petrol notes and tobacco. Nice long pleasant finish. Decant and enjoy this one if you can find it!
A lark pick up at Total Wine, because I'm a sucker for Cabernet Franc and the low ABV of 12.6% made me think that this bottle may deliver more than just new world fruit and spice. Established by a retired surgeon, the winery experimented with many varietals until settling on those that do best in the Puget Sound AVA (e.g. Madeleine Angevine, Siegerrebe, Pinot Noir). This Cab Franc was sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA though, known for producing high quality WA wine. Not much else I can tell you about the winemaker, but the grape itself is a wonderful pairing wine as it's acid helps to cut through fatty meals and the tannins are not too assertive even when young. Paired this one with a spicy eggplant and green bean coconut curry! I wish I had more! ~$18 | #cabernetfranc #yakimavalley #mountbakervineyards
On the eyes: Bright, orange-cherry red color, clear with light stain, light tears, no gas/floc.
On the nose: Cherry with hints of black currant and raspberry. Crisp dried leaf notes rounded by gravel. Med- alcohol.
On the tongue: med soft tannins, med alcohol, med acid, med body, nice and round in the mouth. Peppery dried cherry and raspberry, forest floor with petrol notes and tobacco. Nice long pleasant finish. Decant and enjoy this one if you can find it!