Cabernet Franc

2021
Cabernet Franc

The 2021 Tenor Cabernet Franc is a saturated garnet with a deep crimson core. Heady aromas of sappy blackberry, red velvet cake, leather, and baking chocolate captivate. The palate is opulent, full-bodied, and lush. Flavors of dark cherry, espresso crema, orange chocolate, and black plum lead to a finish that lingers with expressive cherry liqueur, allspice, and toffee.

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Vintages

Labeled Appellation

Columbia Valley

Varietal(s)

100% Cabernet Franc

Vinification

Primary 10-14 days in Stainless Steel tanks, spending 30+ days on skins. Aged 21 months in 100% new French oak. Coopers = 63% Gamba, 25% Sylvain, 12% Taransaud.

Cases Produced

186

Vintage Notes

The 2021 vintage in the Columbia Valley was characterized by below-average precipitation in the winter, early bud-break in late March, and moderately early bloom under hot and windy conditions in late May and early June. The bloom conditions led to the production of small berries, small clusters and low yields. The high-temperatures in June affected sugar advancement, flavor development, and phenolic ripeness. Despite these challenges, the fruit for the Tenor Cabernet Franc was in great shape and it was hand-harvested and hand-sorted to further ensure quality.

The Cabernet Franc for this wine comes from multiple vineyards and AVAs, which are ultimately blended together. The wine was fermented using a combination of non-saccharomyces and designer yeasts, monitored and controlled within a particular temperature range, and left to mature in new French oak barrels for 21 months. The final blend was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Expert Reviews & Scores

Owen Bargreenowenbargreen.com

96 / 100

The 2021 Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines of its kind that I have tasted over the past year. It shows a high-end Napa level of concentration with lovely nuance. Once on the mouth this displays lovely weight with a pillowy texture and strong underlying finesse. Freshly roasted coffee bean flavors mingle well with sagebrush, boysenberry fruits and hints of red bell pepper. This is highly refined Cabernet Franc that will continue to provide drinking enjoyment over the next fifteen plus years.

Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate

93 / 100

The 2021 Cabernet Franc was matured for 21 months in 100% new French oak. It has a deep ruby color and gregarious aromas of red and black cherries, grilled peppers, dark chocolate, cigar ash and lavender. The full-bodied palate features pleasantly herbal flavors structured by soft, powdery tannins, and it has a long, layered finish. 186 cases were made.

Trade Materials