One of the Pacific Northwest’s top sources for this lesser-known Bordeaux variety is Dick Beightol’s site in the famed Horse Heaven Hills, and this is an excellent example of his vineyard. The nose brings hints of plum sauce, black raspberry, cola nut, coffee and sweet herbs. On the palate, it opens with a nice pinch of white pepper and juicy red-toned fruit akin to Bing cherry and red currant. Moderate tannins and fresh-picked green beans in the finish create good length, making this an ideal example of the variety that is often reminiscent of herbal examples of Cabernet Franc. This earned a silver medal at the 2015 Seattle Wine and Food Experience Wine Awards, and while Muriel Kenyon’s wine club took much of it already from her tasting rooms in Woodinville and Walla Walla, the rest will be made available for the first time this weekend in Walla Walla as part of “Cayuse Weekend.”
Rating: Excellent
Production: 210 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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