Northwest Wine Academy product Brian Grasso trained at Darby, Baer and Sparkman Cellars before he and wife Brandee Slosar launched Structure Cellars in their basement of their Ballard home. His first wine, in 2008, he made came from the Boyle family’s Destiny Ridge Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills. Five years later, he branched out a bit for this stellar Cabernet Franc. Sources include Stillwater Creek (36%), Destiny Ridge (36%) and Upland Vineyard (18%), and it’s backed by a delicious dose of Destiny Ridge Syrah to build the midpalate. It’s a Francophile’s delight with aromas of crushed oregano and fresh dill, backed by dried cranberry, lime peel and a touch of minerality. Its medium tannin structure shows skillful balance with flavors of dark raspberry, dried red currant and vanilla extract, a hint of the 19 months in barrel. These young proprietors enjoy pairing their reserve Cab Franc with Wine Soaked Spaghetti with Roasted Mushrooms and Pancetta, and they also served it alongside Grilled Mushroom Salad with Arugula for the vegetarian crowd at their release party. Somehow, they stumbled upon a Halloween-themed pairing of Brookside Acai & Blueberry in Dark Chocolate. These wines are available at their tasting room in the SODO Urban Works building, and this bottling is on sale at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser during the month of November.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 71 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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