Robert Parker - 94
The 2019 Cabernet Franc, made with 40% to 50% whole clusters and matured 22 months in used oak, has a medium ruby-purple color and a core of briary fruit with hints of bell pepper, oolong tea leaves, white pepper and charcuterie. Inspired by the wines of Saumur, it features crunchy red fruit and an herbal character, gently rustic tannins and lip-smacking acidity. This is so easy to drink!
Published: Sep 29, 2023
tasting notes
classic, varietally pure aromas...white pepper, garden herbs, red-black fruits—juicy, fleshy, refreshing—elegant balance, refined structure, dry resonant finish—will gain in complexity and subtlety over many (20+) years in the cellar
ava: Walla Walla Valley
vineyards: Seven Hills G8 block; McClellan Estate
elevation: 950 ft
soil series: Ellisforde (windblown loess over lucustrine sediments)
planted: planted 1998 (Seven Hills), 2003 (McClellan Estate)
harvest: Sept. 19+20, 2019
whole cluster: 30% elevage: 21 months in older barrels (228L) sur lie
bottled: July 16, 2021, Unfined & Unfiltered,13.1% Alc.
cases produced: 328 (750ml x 12)
the Terroir
Seven Hills Vineyard is a historic vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley ava, on the Oregon side of the border. 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 both vineyards are self-rooted in Ellisford silt loam. Careful management leads to balanced canopy growth and moderate yields, with Cabernet Franc clusters having good spacing, airflow and sun exposure. Alternating long Summer days (with ample sunlight due to northern latitude, 46 degrees N) and cold nights lead to grapes with a wonderful balance of fruit, acidity and structure.
