I love Cabernet Franc, and wonder why its popularity has never peaked. It’s so much more approachable at a young age, especially compared to varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. Anyway, the Isenhower version is ready to drink and pair with a variety of menu options.
Winemaker Brett, for his namesake Isenhower Cellars, sourced fruit from Wallula Vineyard in Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The wine is unfiltered and unfined, and aged in minimal new large-format French oak. The wine presents dark red fruit, white pepper, and savory herbal notes on the palate. Back to food pairings, it was Italian night, i.e., Sunday sauce. We were lucky to pull this bottle and enjoy with homemade spinach meatballs, marinara sauce and fusilli pasta. It was a one-bowl meal and a fabulous pairing.
You can read winemaker Brett Isenhower’s Wine Characters interview, and how he chose this wine as the flagship for his brand.