Devin and Debra Stinger stand out in the Walla Walla Valley for their small lots of Iberian grapes Albariño and Tempranillo from their estate Gateshead Vineyard, but their other wines also have proven to be an easy sell. This Cabernet Franc from Minnick Hills opens with crushed herbs, cherry and cranberry along with black pepper and baking spices. Inside, it’s an expressive and suave drink that features darker flavors of blackberry, black currant and cola, backed by bittersweet chocolate tannins. Trailing notes of vanilla and fresh-picked sage make for a long finish. This earned a gold medal at the 2015 Walla Walla Valley Wine Competition, an annual judging that funds scholarships for students at Walla Walla Community College’s Center for Enology & Viticulture.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 14.2%
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