There’s no chance that Woodinville, Wash., winemaker Tim Armstrong will discontinue his efforts with Cabernet Franc considering it is the favorite variety of his wife, Jennifer, and he’s established an award-winning track record with the less-appreciated Bordeaux grape. But rather than go with a 100 percent varietal wine, he blends in Petit Verdot (20%) and calls the production from acclaimed Dineen Vineyard in the Yakima Valley as “Fronk.” Dusty plum, red cherry, cocoa powder and pipe tobacco aromas give way to ripe flavors of dark cherry and black currant. It’s tasty and balanced with pleasing tannin structure, and while there’s a bit of spice in the finish, there’s little in the way of herbaceousness. The Armstrongs enjoy offering this with grilled salmon, smoked ham, pork roast or burgers.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 121 cases
Alcohol: 14.4%
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