Cabernet Franc 2022
Martin Woods

$42.99 on 6+ (code: 6saves2)
$44.99 US Low

(From the same AVA as the Syrah above). Tightly demarcated by virtue of a single soil series (Freewater Series) and a single land form (alluvial fan), the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater exists entirely on the Oregon side of the Walla Walla Valley. RockBar is situated in the middle of this highly distinctive terroir, where large cobblestones have collected over a hundred feet deep. Seven Hills Vineyard is a historic vineyard planted only steps outside of the Rocks District. The original vines were planted in 1982 by the McClellan family, who also planted (in 2003) another vineyard immediately adjacent to Seven Hills, called McClellan Estate. The vines at all three vineyards are self-rooted, ungrafted, with deep root systems. Careful management leads to balanced canopy growth and moderate yields, with Cabernet Franc clusters having good spacing, airflow and sun exposure. The inland continental climate provides alternating cold nights and long, warm Summer days with ample sunlight due to the high northern latitude (46 degrees N). This diurnal shift gives grapes with a wonderful balance of fruit, acidity, structure and highly expressive aromatics.

Our Tasting Notes:  Medium+ ruby, light ruby edges. Med+ nose of red cherry, currants, raspberry offset by bell pepper/pyrazine, and black tea, and wild cut flowers.  A med/med+ body and tannin, the fruit really comes to the fore, the spice and pyrazines are faint on the palate and are ore in the background, well integrated. Excellent domestic version of the grape! 

AVA: the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater & Walla Walla Valley
Vineyards: RockBar, Seven Hills & McClellan Estate, own rooted or 'pie franco'
Soils: Freewater (cobblestone and gravel intermixed with loess); Ellisforde (windblown loess over lucustrine sediments); planted 2016 (RockBar), 1998 (Seven Hills), 2003 (McClellan Estate)
***Whole cluster: 30%
Aging: 14 months sur lie (6 months without sulfur) Avg. barrel age 8-10 years
ABV: 13.5%

NO SCORES for the 2022s yet!

2021 for comparison's sake:
93 pts Vinous Media – Eric Guido
The 2021 Cabernet Franc is a model of purity, with a varietal bouquet of green pepper, dried roses and black raspberries. This is softly textured yet nervy, with zesty red berry fruits propelled by vibrant acidity as chalky minerals collect toward the close. This finishes with amazing freshness yet potent, with a spicy flourish as round tannins frame the experience beautifully.  - By Eric Guido on January 2024
 
2021 for comparison's sake:
92 pts Wine Advocate – Erin Brooks
The 2021 Cabernet Franc is crunchy and super fresh, reminiscent of Cabernet Franc grown in the Loire Valley, despite maintaining generous Oregon fruit character. Grapes come from self-rooted vines planted from 1998-2016, and the wine was crafted with around 40% whole clusters and matured for 14 months. It features bright red cherries with accents of fresh tobacco leaves, woodsmoke, forest floor and truffle. The medium-bodied palate has a surprisingly concentrated core of savory red fruit. It boasts vibrant acidity and a pleasant bite of chalky tannins that, rather than sticking to the palate, fade into a long, easygoing and spicy finish. This is dangerously easy to drink and will pair widely at the table.