A decade ago, Dr. Brian Petersen used acclaimed Rattlesnake Hills site Elephant Mountain to earn high scores from critics for his Cabernet Franc. In recent years, he shifted about 10 miles southeast as the crow flies into Dineen Vineyard — another storied higher-elevation site for Bordeaux varieties in the Yakima Valley. That certified sustainable planting helped him to triple his production of Cabernet Franc since the 2011 vintage. This release is incredibly perfumy with sweet herbs reminiscent of woodruff, crushed Bing cherry, red currant and light toast. Those red fruit tones run across the palate, joined by blueberry acidity that pushes across the pliable tannins that are tantalizing rather than taut. The finish of Bing cherry is both glorious and refreshing.
Rating: 93 points — Outstanding!
Production: 236 cases
Alcohol: 13.6%
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