Taste | Refined and captivating, the 2023 Cabernet Franc opens with lifted aromas of violet, rose petal, red cherry, raspberry, and crushed blackberry layered alongside subtle notes of fresh herbs, baking spice, and graphite. The palate is vibrant and beautifully structured, balancing juicy red and dark fruit with savory undertones of tobacco leaf, cedar, and dried herbs. Silky tannins and bright acidity provide energy and finesse, while the long finish reveals layers of floral complexity, minerality, and spice.
About the Winery/Winemaker | Dineen Vineyards has long believed Cabernet Franc is one of the estate’s most compelling varieties. Nestled in the rolling hills of Washington’s Rattlesnake Hills AVA, the vineyard’s elevation, sun exposure, diverse soils, and cool nighttime temperatures create ideal conditions for extended hang time and exceptional flavor development.
The 2023 Cabernet Franc is a thoughtful blend of four distinct estate blocks, each contributing its own character. Catherine’s Block, planted in 2001, provides richness, minerality, and brambly fruit. Rose’s Block contributes floral aromatics, herbal complexity, and a polished finish. Marissa’s Block adds spice, dark fruit, and depth, while Winery Block brings freshness and balance. Each block was fermented and aged separately before being blended to create a wine that is both a pure expression of Cabernet Franc and a reflection of the Dineen estate.
Why We Love It | Few wineries in Washington have dedicated as much attention to Cabernet Franc as Dineen. The result is a wine that captures everything enthusiasts love about the variety—aromatic complexity, vibrant fruit, savory nuance, and remarkable versatility at the table. This bottling feels both sophisticated and approachable, offering immediate enjoyment while possessing the structure to reward additional cellaring. It’s a beautiful example of why Cabernet Franc continues to gain recognition as one of Washington’s most exciting red varieties.
Technical Wine Notes
Producer: Dineen Vineyards
Vintage: 2023
Region: Yakima Valley AVA, Washington
Sub-Appellation: Rattlesnake Hills AVA
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc
Farming: Certified Sustainable (Lodi Rules & Sustainable WA)
Vinification: Each vineyard block fermented separately before blending
Aging: 20 months in French oak barrels (21% new, 21% once-filled, 58% neutral)
Alcohol: 14.3% ABV
pH: 3.5
Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L
Accolades: 94 Points – James Suckling; 92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
Style: Medium to full-bodied, elegant and age-worthy Cabernet Franc
Tasting Notes: Violet, rose petal, red cherry, raspberry, blackberry, tobacco leaf, cedar, dried herbs, baking spice, graphite
Pairing Notes: Herb-crusted lamb, grilled pork tenderloin, duck breast, wild mushroom dishes, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses
Cellaring: Enjoy now through 2038+
You may also like
Recently viewed