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Kiona Vineyards 2012 Estate Cabernet Franc, Red Mountain, $35

By Great Northwest Wine on November 11, 2015

The Williams clan farms more than 230 acres across Red Mountain, but less than 3 acres are devoted to Cabernet Franc. While a shame, it’s understandable considering the success they have with more popular varieties such as “King Cab.” There’s a fascinating earthiness to the nose this Cab Franc from a historically balanced vintage, which conjures up thoughts of minerality and portobello mushrooms among the hints of dried strawberry and cocoa powder. On the attack, the structure is superb and suave with flavors of Chukar Cherry enrobed in milk chocolate, backed by juicy overtones of dark raspberry. Traditionally, head winemaker Scott Williams devotes the Cab Franc to blending with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Mountain Reserve projects, but this vintage prompted a single-variety bottling. Its limited production means this is primarily available only at their friendly tasting room off Sunset Road. However, it will be on sale at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser during the month of November.

Rating: Outstanding!

Production: 268 cases

Alcohol: 14.5%

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Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.