NEW Release! Seamless and soft with great richness and a fantastic core of black fruit flavors, this is an elegant, well-balanced Cabernet Franc.
96 Points - International Wine Report: Marking its fifth vintage, this captivating wine is crafted from vines rooted two decades ago. It displays a vibrant ruby-garnet hue and opens with an enticing bouquet of crushed lilac flowers, black and red cherries, crushed wet stone, sweet yellow apple, and a hint of old leather and spice. On the palate, layers of juicy red plum intermingle with the earthy spiciness of white pepper, creating a balanced and expressive profile. The tannins are fine-grained yet gripping, lending structure to the wine’s vibrant character, while bright red fruit and savory herbal notes echo the hallmark traits of Cabernet Franc. Needs another year in the bottle to come alive, then enjoy for the next 15 years. Such a great bottle of wine. 361 cases produced Highly recommended and editor’s choice. 96 Points 2026-2041
95 Points - Owen Bargreen: The 2022 ‘Estate' Cabernet Franc was stored in mainly neutral oak barrels. It opens with white peppercorn and shades of black licorice and bay leaf, with orange bell pepper notes. Very herbal and tension-laden, the plush texture really adds to the enjoyment here. On par with the world-class 2021 edition, this is a stunning rendition of Washington Cabernet Franc that will easily age for another fifteen years. Drink 2024-2039
94 Points - Wine Advocate: The 2022 Cabernet Franc Estate has intense, savory aromas of grilled green peppers, cigar ash and soy sauce over a core of red and black cherry fruit. The full-bodied palate offers nuanced, mineral-driven flavors. It’s structured by silky tannins and fresh acidity and has a long, latent finish. Reminiscent of styles from the Loire Valley, it will gain savory complexity over the next 10-15 years. 361 cases were made.
92 Points - Decanter: A classic Cabernet Franc from the Woodward Canyon estate, one of Walla Walla's founding names, planted back in 1977. Aromas of eucalyptus and Christmas spice play alongside kirsch and dried rose petals. The palate has a spicy complexity, and this wine's structured to age for over a decade. Black cherry, chocolate and a blend of exotic warm spices carry the finish.
92 Points - Vinous: The 2022 Cabernet Franc Estate opens with a whiff of chalk dust and white pepper, giving way to crushed raspberries. This is soothingly round and pliant with ripe red and blue fruits underscored by tactile minerals and hints of spice. The 2022 finishes with rounded tannins and a floral resonance, leaving a tart cranberry crunchiness to fade slowly.
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
100% Woodward Canyon Estate Vineyard: Planted in 1977, Woodward Canyon is the westernmost vineyard in Walla Walla Valley AVA, roughly 15 miles west of Walla Walla, Washington. There are 35 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%, 750-850 ft. elevation. All grapes are Salmon Safe certified as is the wine.
