2020 Estate Cabernet Franc-Merlot
Walla Walla Valley
Our new Walla Walla Valley Estate Cabernet Franc - Merlot was crafted as a collaboration between Founding Owner, Rick Small, and Winemaker, Kevin Mott. This 2020 red wine is a blend of 75% Cabernet Franc Clone 327 and 25% Merlot Clone 181. These two, very special clones are a part of our ongoing exploration into additional old world red wine clones. Rick wanted to produce a special bottle which is stylistically more like the wines from the right bank where both of these varieties thrive.
25 In Stock
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Red Blend
Appellation
Walla Walla Valley
Bottling Date
May 24, 2022
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
On the nose, aromas of cherry soda, plum and blackberry with oak tones of vanilla and tobacco fill the glass. Ripe red and dark fruit flavors follow with smooth integrated tannins on the palette. This wine exemplifies the warm 2020 vintage and the unique weather that defined it. Decant to drink now, but with proper cellaring, this wine can be aged for up to ten years. Pair and enjoy with vegetarian lasagna, Mediterranean-style pizza, lamb gyros, or corned beef and grilled vegetables.
Vineyard Notes
Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard
Planted in 1977, Woodward Canyon is the westernmost vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley AVA, roughly 15 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington. There are 41 vineyard acres planted and several more acres of green belts that support native species such as western juniper, ponderosa pine, western sagebrush, arrowleaf balsamroot, and perennial wildflowers. Ritzville silt loam over fractured basalt, slope 15-18%, 750-850ft elevation. Managed by Woodward Canyon. All grapes are Salmon Safe certified as is the wine.
Production Notes
Hand harvested and sorted
48 hour cold soak
Fermented with Woodward Canyon native yeast in 1.5-ton stainless steel fermenters
75% new French barrels, 20 months
Production
Case Production: 98 cases
Other Notes
Varietal composition: 75% Cabernet Franc, 25% Merlot