$20.00
This wine comes from Tamrack Cellars which is located in the Walla Walla Valley of Washington. This wine is a 100% Cab Franc which is Washington’s #4 mostly widely grown red wine grape behind Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Tamarack Cellars is located in a restored World War II Fire Station and Barracks where this wine is aged in French Oak. Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon and was established in the southwest region of France sometime in the 17th century. In the United States Cabernet Franc was started in California, however, the growing popularity led to more land being set aside for growing these types of grapes to be used in meritage blends. Washington State’s first varietal Cabernet Franc was released in 1991 and other vineyards such as Tamarack Cellars have followed suit. Tamarack produced 1,512 cases of this wine and here’s what we thought…
He says: 91
Upon decanting, complex aromas of strawberries, cocoa powder, cherries and vanilla are present. The big juicy flavors of black cherries have subtle undertones of oak, black pepper that has a long finish of leather and smoked oak that seems to last longer as the wine airs. A bold, full-bodied wine that has bright and refreshing acidity making your mouth water for the next sip. The wonderful flavors of this wine evolve into black olives and a creamy vanilla pudding taste the longer the wine has time to air. This Cab Franc would pair nicely with any smokey and bold barbeque or with dark chocolates and chocolate covered cherries for a desert pairing. I personally think this wine has even yet reached its full potential and I would recommend cellaring for an additional few years to allow more maturity and an even more memorable experience. I would recommend this for a more full body wine experience that is appropriately priced and I would purchase again.
She says: 93
We love making homemade pasta…LOVE it. And it is always fun to pair wines with our creations, just because. On this particular occasion, we chose our pairing to include a 2016 Columbia Valley Cabernet Franc by Tamarack Cellars.
Visually, this wine is gorgeous, a deep, inky plum with a thick and mellow clarity. The liquid moved slowly in the glass, almost like smoke. Initially, the aromas noted were fruity, strawberries, raspberries, some mild orange rind citrus as well as toast and wildflowers. As the wine continued to aerate, notes of toffee and chocolate emerged.
The first sips highlighted bright notes of dark cocoa, toast, earthy oak and raspberry jam. Over the course of enjoying this bottle, flavors of roasted peanuts and toasted bread blended into a smooth finish of vanilla, coconut and plums that lingered pleasantly.
This Cabernet Franc was more complex than I had originally given it credit for; it became creamier and fuller bodied and by my last glass, the vanilla cream and toasted coconut made me want more.
Because of its transformation in the glass, my initial rating of 89 points became a rating of 93 points and I look forward to sipping this wine again in the future.
