This spring, the iconic little schoolhouse gradauted from its entry-level Recess Red to this new Frenchtown Red, a tribute to the French-Canadians settlers in the Walla Walla Valley who began making wine during the Civil War era. Founding winemaker Marty Clubb and his team chose to make blend 75% Bordeaux varieties with Merlot (45%), Cabernet Savignon (18%), Malbec (6%) and Cabernet Franc, then back it by Rhône grapes such as (Syrah 15%), Grenache (7%) and Mourvèdre. Contributing vineyards for this label range from estate sites such as Pepper Bridge, Seven Hills and Ferguson to StoneTree on the Wahluke Slope, Candy Mountain near Red Mountain and Sagemoor Farms vineyards Bacchus, Dionysus and Weinbau. Dusty blueberry, ripe plum, coffee and chocolate tones include a hint of saddle leather within a structure of fine-grained tannins, rich acidity and a lengthy farewell. Look for this as a by-the-glass option at savvy restaurants across the country.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 4,120 cases
Alcohol: 14.5%
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