Isenhower Cabernet Franc I Series 2022

Region: Columbia Valley, Washington

Grape Varieties: 90% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 5% Merlot

We are big fans of the wines from Brett and Denise Isenhower, who craft some of the most thoughtful wines in the Columbia Valley of Washington State. Their hallmark bottlings sport flowers native to the area and are typically crafted from a single vineyard, carrying a $50+ price tag. The process of selecting single vineyards is through trial and error, so those that they are developing spend time as I-Series wines, sort of the junior varsity. Nevertheless, they show the signature Isenhower polish and are great values too.

Brett is a huge fan of Cabernet Franc, which thrives in the warm, sunny climate of the Columbia Valley. This bottling is a blend from 7 vineyards, and is 90% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The individual varieties were barrel aged in 30% new French oak for 10 months, then blended and returned to barrel for 4 more months before bottle. We love this wine because it shows the soft, blueberry/blackberry fruit of Cabernet Franc tinged with a subtle aromatic of dried parsley. The tannins are smooth and sinewy, giving just enough structure for braised short ribs, beef stew or lentils and sausage.