2023 Echolands Cabernet Franc

75% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon

Combining ripeness of fruit with floral and savory expression, this Cabernet Franc does justice to its variety with bursting aromatics of pink peppercorns, purple flower notes of violet and lavender, with a complement of black tea and black raspberries. Generous plumminess on the palate coexists with mineral notions of graphite and fresh tilth. With energetic tannins, juicy acidity, and a streak of salinity, a sensation of freshness and brightness persists throughout the finish.

With the success of our Blue Mountain Cabernet Franc, we continue to lean into our entire Cab Franc program. This wine is based upon Blue Mountain Vineyard fruit, as much as two-thirds of the overall blend, as well as Cab Franc from our own Taggart Vineyard. As well, we've blended in 18% Merlot, also from Taggart Vineyard. Though the vineyards are only about 10 miles apart, the grapevines thrive in two very different climatic conditions. Taggart is warm and dry, like most Walla Walla (and Washington) wineries, and that portion of the wine is round and generous. Blue Mountain Vineyard is in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, and is cooler and wetter, so that portion of the wine expresses the cooler site character of lavender, rose petal, herbs and blue and red fruits. We think it's a lovely combination.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast

93 Points - Owen Bargreen

92 Points - International Wine Report