The Wisconsin boys appropriately describe their latest Cabernet Franc as “Franc-o-licious,” and it starts in three vineyards, 15-year-old StoneTree on the Wahluke Slope and two of Dusted Valley’s estate sites in the Walla Walla Valley – their Sconni and the Southwind Vineyard planted by the Middleton family. The barrel program of 27 percent new French oak doesn’t get in the way of the high floral notes of lilac and evergreen forest that include blueberry jelly and smoky plum. Its structure shows superb balance as splashes of Merlot (5%) and Petit Verdot (5%) provide fine-grained tannins and depth to the lingering flavors of mountain blueberry, dusty plum and dark cherry. Released in October, there should still be a few bottles at their Walla Walla and Woodinville tasting rooms.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 150 cases
Alcohol: 14.7%
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