French Creek Vineyards 2012 Block 10 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley, $34
With vineyard manager Damon LaLonde on the bass and Walla Walla winemaker Trey Busch on the lead for this wine, it’s no surprise that this new label hits a high note. And considering their backgrounds in the industry, this tandem will be no one-hit wonder. French Creek is a fascinating 20-year-old vineyard above the Yakima River east of Prosser, Wash., and this Cab already takes on the look of a classic, starting with a dense nose of chalkboard dust, dark plum, black cherry, coffee, baking spices and a pinch of herbs. There’s supreme balance with flavors of Bing cherry and Marionberry, backed by delicious blueberry acidity with cherry-skin tannins. In the background are notes of cigar box, allspice and roasted coffee, making it complex while exhibiting finesse. It’s a tiny lot, and the best shot at buying comes via Seattle-based ImpulseWine.com.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 45 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
Obviously there is a typo. How many cases does Palencia produce?
Paul,
For his day job at J&S Crushing/Columbia River’s Edge Winery in Mattawa, Wash., Victor Palencia oversees more than 1 million cases in wine production. For Palencia Winery, he makes about 3,000 cases total.