New vintage, new label, still a funky take on cab franc. Back label is fairly accurate: unfiltered (ruby red, moderate pigment extraction very good clarity), raspberry, pepper notes (black and white), black tea on finish. The incense remark is sandalwood to me, barrel extraction I’d imagine. Lighter phenol character than I’ve had from carbonic laceration in, say, Oregon Pinot noirs. Definitely stem tannins on the finish. Different, rustic yet refined. Me likey
New vintage, new label, still a funky take on cab franc. Back label is fairly accurate: unfiltered (ruby red, moderate pigment extraction very good clarity), raspberry, pepper notes (black and white), black tea on finish. The incense remark is sandalwood to me, barrel extraction I’d imagine. Lighter phenol character than I’ve had from carbonic laceration in, say, Oregon Pinot noirs. Definitely stem tannins on the finish. Different, rustic yet refined. Me likey
Jan 17th, 2026Purple to ruby red in color, medium pigment extraction, very good clarity. Cherry and perfumed floral notes in nose with a hint of prune. Vanilla-mint flavor followed by red fruit and black pepper flavors, moderate skin astringency, good amount of seed tannin bitterness on first pour. First time I can remember trying a Cabernet Franc that’s gone through carbonic maceration. Stylistically austere, tight, interesting mix of acids while main flavors initially seem to be from the carbonic maceration. After 40 minutes, more fruit flavors emerge with aeration - cherry with some raspberry and cranberry. Bought at tasting room. This is also the first wine I’ve opened at my new flat in Bothell WA
Purple to ruby red in color, medium pigment extraction, very good clarity. Cherry and perfumed floral notes in nose with a hint of prune. Vanilla-mint flavor followed by red fruit and black pepper flavors, moderate skin astringency, good amount of seed tannin bitterness on first pour. First time I can remember trying a Cabernet Franc that’s gone through carbonic maceration. Stylistically austere, tight, interesting mix of acids while main flavors initially seem to be from the carbonic maceration. After 40 minutes, more fruit flavors emerge with aeration - cherry with some raspberry and cranberry. Bought at tasting room. This is also the first wine I’ve opened at my new flat in Bothell WA
Feb 24th, 2020
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
