Crossings Winery 2012 Zabala Vineyard Cabernet Franc, Snake River Valley, $19
Idaho winemaker Neil Glancey continues to show his skill with this less-appreciated Bordeaux variety. He pulls from nearby Zabala Vineyard in the Hagerman Valley for this stunning Cab Franc that offers a theme of sweet oak with plenty of red fruit flavor akin to cassis, raspberry and cranberry. There are pinches of leafiness and white pepper joined by great acidity, prized components among Francophiles. Its trace of tannins and Craisins in the finish make this quite a quaffer, earning it a gold medal at the 2016 Idaho Wine Competition. He won best of show in 2011 with a Cabernet Franc during his days at now-closed Woodriver Cellars. At Tannins, the on-premise restaurant at Crossings, they suggest pairing Glancey’s Cab Franc with Sweet Chili-Lime Shrimp with coconut jasmine rice.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 3,000 cases
Alcohol: 12.5%
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