The 2022 Tenor Cabernet Franc is sourced from four distinct vineyard parcels within the Columbia Valley AVA. Key sites include Solaksen Vineyard on Royal Slope and three vineyards on Red Mountain: Quintessence, Red Mountain Vineyard, and Angela’s. Together, these sites offer a broad and expressive view of what Cabernet Franc can become in the Columbia Valley.

Our winemaking team worked closely with vineyard managers to restrict yields, resulting in small, concentrated berries. Cool fall nights helped preserve acidity while flavor continued to develop. Hand-harvesting occurred during the early morning hours in mid-October, marking one of the latest harvests on record.

At the winery, fruit was de-stemmed and berry-sorted. Prior to fermentation, nearly 30% of the grape volume was saignéed from tank to intensify the concentration across all varietals, including Cabernet Franc. Fermentations lasted 14–17 days, followed by an additional 2–3 weeks of extended maceration in tank to enhance texture and integration.

The wine was aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak from top cooperages (Taransaud, Gamba, Sylvain, and Quintessence). Eleven barrels were selected for the final blend, resulting in just 244 cases. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine preserves its natural vibrancy, purity, and depth.

The final blend is 100% Cabernet Franc, composed of clones 1, 214, and 327.