Cedar River Cellars 2012 It’s a Long Way Barrel Select Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, $40

The pride and joy of Renton, Wash., winemaker Micah Nasarow’s young program could be the Cabernet Franc he receives from Andrew Will’s Two Blondes Vineyard in Zillah. This single-barrel selection spent 18 months new American oak, leading to aromas of cherry and blueberry with notes of rosehip and clove. Chelan cherry and blueberry flavors make for a rather elegant and balanced structure of sandy, fine-grained tannins. Its finish lacks the thumbprint of herbaceousness that often identifies the variety.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 34 cases

Alcohol: 14.2%

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