Walla Walla Vintners Cabernet Franc
WHY WE LOVE IT
- This wine features Weinbau Vineyard which is highly regarded for its varietal typicity. Small berries and thick skins yield vibrant fruit with complex flavor.
- Blend with Bacchus Vineyard, which lends elegance to complement the powerful tannins of Weinbau.
- Supporting these two powerhouse vineyards are Gamache, Kiona and Summit View vineyards.
Varietal Composition: 78% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Elaboration: 20 days fermentation on skins. Punched down twice daily with select pump-overs. Aged 8 months in 26% new French and 10% new American oak.
Tasting Notes: Aromas of dark fruits, wild herbs, pie crust, green peppercorns, and a touch of cocoa. The palate is rich with delicious black fruit and fresh coffee flavors, with ample acidity and a bit of grippy tannin.
PRESS
2019 – 92 Wine Enthusiast | 90 Wine Advocate | 90 Vinous
2018 – 91 Wine Enthusiast | 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Founded in 1995, Walla Walla Vintners was the eighth winery in the Walla Walla appellation. Many others have followed their lead and today, there are at least 120. Yet, Walla Walla maintains a stellar reputation as one of the best. In 2017, wine aficionados Scott and Nici Haladay decided to leave their careers in IT and nursing and they purchased the historic winery in southeastern Washington, adjacent to the Oregon border.
The estate’s winemaker, Derrek Vipond, holds degrees from two respected enology and viticulture programs. After following harvests around the world, he returned to Walla Walla and joined the Haladays in 2019. His goal to craft finely made, elegant wines aligns perfectly with the vision of Scott and Nici.