Savage Grace
Red Willow Vineyard Blanc Franc
Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Oregon/Washington, USA
My first tasting of the latest vintage. White floral and dried citrus peel aromas. Back label promises flavors of preserved lemon, key lime and thyme. Key lime was prominent with some herb (probably thyme) and tangerine pith. I’m not huge on preserved lemon but then I’m not all that familiar with it in dining, just a few Moroccan and Italian entrees I’ve had using it. So maybe it’s there; I just don’t picture it in my mind’s eye. There is a mineral and lactic-like finish with length in the citrus flavors. Some skin astringency as well, more becoming than not. I like the acidity level, forward but not overpowering. Great balance here overall. Always a pleasurable pour, this one, from vintage to vintage.
My first tasting of the latest vintage. White floral and dried citrus peel aromas. Back label promises flavors of preserved lemon, key lime and thyme. Key lime was prominent with some herb (probably thyme) and tangerine pith. I’m not huge on preserved lemon but then I’m not all that familiar with it in dining, just a few Moroccan and Italian entrees I’ve had using it. So maybe it’s there; I just don’t picture it in my mind’s eye. There is a mineral and lactic-like finish with length in the citrus flavors. Some skin astringency as well, more becoming than not. I like the acidity level, forward but not overpowering. Great balance here overall. Always a pleasurable pour, this one, from vintage to vintage.
Sep 13th, 2026New vintage! Pale yellow, excellent clarity. Citrus, thyme and black pepper notes in nose. High acid, good body, lots of skin tannins given blanc de noir style of 100% Cabernet Franc. Flavor descriptors of lime peel, lime, thyme and black pepper apply. Mineral finish
New vintage! Pale yellow, excellent clarity. Citrus, thyme and black pepper notes in nose. High acid, good body, lots of skin tannins given blanc de noir style of 100% Cabernet Franc. Flavor descriptors of lime peel, lime, thyme and black pepper apply. Mineral finish
Jul 17th, 2025Light yellow, excellent clarity, citrus and thyme aromas, flavors of sweet lemon, lime with minerals and an almost creamy finish. Lime aftertaste. Super crisp overall. Pair with food, ideally.
Light yellow, excellent clarity, citrus and thyme aromas, flavors of sweet lemon, lime with minerals and an almost creamy finish. Lime aftertaste. Super crisp overall. Pair with food, ideally.
Apr 18th, 2025First pouring of vintage. Label promises flavors of preserved lemon, key lime and thyme. Processing included brief skin contact, then whole cluster pressing and native yeast fermentation. Some skin tannin astringency on finish. Aromas and flavors are accurate. Good acidity but skin tannins do shape the wine - not quite an orange wine, not quite a white. A stylish Blanc de noir, then. After two hours, the skin tannins soften and the wine drinks really well, with a harmonious blend of softness and fruit. Decant accordingly with a touch of chill to the wine
First pouring of vintage. Label promises flavors of preserved lemon, key lime and thyme. Processing included brief skin contact, then whole cluster pressing and native yeast fermentation. Some skin tannin astringency on finish. Aromas and flavors are accurate. Good acidity but skin tannins do shape the wine - not quite an orange wine, not quite a white. A stylish Blanc de noir, then. After two hours, the skin tannins soften and the wine drinks really well, with a harmonious blend of softness and fruit. Decant accordingly with a touch of chill to the wine
Jan 29th, 2025Pale white excellent clarity. Orchard fruit with a hint of tangerine, white pepper finish. A touch of RS to make the fruit flavors pop. Good acid, rounded mouthfeel
Pale white excellent clarity. Orchard fruit with a hint of tangerine, white pepper finish. A touch of RS to make the fruit flavors pop. Good acid, rounded mouthfeel
Feb 20th, 2022Pale yellow white, excellent clarity. Citrus and herbs in the nose, lime, lemon and white pepper in the mouth. Tangy, dry, tasty. Cabernet franc is a great varietal for WA state, however you make your wine from it
Pale yellow white, excellent clarity. Citrus and herbs in the nose, lime, lemon and white pepper in the mouth. Tangy, dry, tasty. Cabernet franc is a great varietal for WA state, however you make your wine from it
Nov 22nd, 2021
Such an interesting wine. Better when chilled, the acidity really comes out. Not as much Meyer lemon as the first vintage but nicely balanced. Everyone loved it. Had it with Korean-style tacos and it was delicious.
Such an interesting wine. Better when chilled, the acidity really comes out. Not as much Meyer lemon as the first vintage but nicely balanced. Everyone loved it. Had it with Korean-style tacos and it was delicious.
1 person found it helpfulNov 25th, 2020