Isenhower Cellars “i-Label” Cabernet Franc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Isenhower’s “i-Label” Cabernet Franc blend is sourced from several of their established and experienced growers:
- Cabernet Franc – 55% Dineen Vineyard, 19% Phinney Hill, 8% Seven Hills, 8% Wallula Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon – 5% Konnowac Vineyard
- Merlot – 5% RKP Vineyard.
Variety: 90% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Elaboration: All the Cabernet Franc wines were aged in French Oak barrels, 30% new for 10 months. After 10 months the Franc was blended with 5% RKP Vineyard Merlot, and 5% Konnowac Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Dark red hue is followed by red fruit aromas of bing cherry and pomegranate. There are oral notes, hints of dusty earth, and the slightest hint of herbaceous which is the defining feature of Cabernet Franc. The texture of the Cabernet Franc is plush and smooth with a long finish. The wine has flavors that mirror the aromas and feature red fruit, earthy-dusty notes, and dried chopped herbs.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Isenhower Cellars was founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower and was the 18th winery in the Walla Walla area. The Isenhower’s, both Pharmacists, chose to leave their Colorado surroundings and corporate healthcare to follow Brett’s dream of winemaking and Denise’s dream of moving back to Washington, where they first met. Today, Denise is the General Manager and Brett is the Winemaker. For Brett, Walla Walla was an easy choice because of its beauty and the wide-open, entrepreneurial nature of the wine industry there. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium-sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated.
The Isenhower’s built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. They source their grapes from experienced, established growers ranging from Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Oregon to the Wahluke Slope. These high-elevation farms produce beautiful juice from old vines all the way to experimental clones.
Isenhower Cellars and their growers follow a minimalist philosophy and more natural winemaking process, including low pesticides, light intervention and sustainable farming methods to achieve depth of character, lightness of touch, and an array of fresh, interesting wines.