In picking a Wine of the Week, this time we thought about something a little different. This one, Owen Roe 2004 Cabernet Franc, is just that.

This is a really charming wine from the hillsides of Washington State’s Yakima valley. It’s Cabernet franc is generally an underappreciated wine. Not quite as powerful as its brother Cabernet Sauvignon, it’s softer and more aromatic. Owen Roe’s Mystica Vineyard is the source of this one.

Cab Franc fits in between merlot and cabernet when you’re pairing it with food – great with lamb and beef but medium weighted enough to also enjoy with roasted chicken or grilled pork.

The Owen Roe 2004 Cabernet Franc has great cherry flavors that are easily associated with the Northwest, but with a little peppery earthiness pinched in. Since this is a pretty small production wine it does cost a bit more… over thirty dollars. But as wine of the week, it’s worth it as a fun departure from the ordinary.

Pop the cork™.

Notes:

This delightful grape variety exhibits characteristics of fragrant cedar, tobacco, and bright berry, however, each growing area – whether The Loire, St. Emilion, Pomerol, or here in the western cooler regions of Yakima Valley – imparts its own distinct identity. This Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc has elements of old-world charm and fragrance, yet its bright berry and plush richness is all new world. The three vineyards are situated on hillsides high in the western Yakima Valley.

This 2004 wine has all the hallmarks of a world-class Cabernet Franc and its ripeness and power do not overshadow the delicacy of its cedar fragrance, olives and beautiful berry fruit

Notes on our Wines of the Week, Recommendations, and Picks:

When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently. A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list. Well, don't stop buying it because of that. In fact, you may want to EMAIL us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.

A couple of other thoughts . . . first, prices are approximate. They'll vary. Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.

And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly! Now, all that said, here is a summary of links to our suggestions. Find one (or more) and pop the cork!

Read the fine print . . .

Wine consumption can have positive physical benefits or cause possible physical harm . . . the medical community is divided in some areas. If you have any doubt, check with your doctor before consuming wine or any other alcoholic drink.

Our information is well researched. Recommendations are based on our opinions at the time of publication. At the same time, recommendations change. Also, there may be significant variance in taste depending on storage, shipping, and other factors.

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