Cabernet Franc can be a tricky beast. It is often attempted by many wineries but the results are sometimes disappointing. The Rawn Brothers from Two Mountain Winery produce reserve Cabernet Franc that you need to taste! Gorgeous red purple color and full of incredible aromas of blackberry and mulberry, braised game meats, sweet vanilla, toasted oak and herbs. This young wine is best enjoyed after some air time and produces wonderful flavors of blackberry, vanilla, mild spices, gentle smoke and tar. The tannins are incredibly smooth and the oak flavors come through in the back palate, creating a well integrated and medium mouthfeel that lingers longer than expected. Drink now or cellar this wine for many years to come.
About Two Mountain Winery:
The Rawn Brothers are very passionate and strong advocates for Washington state wines. Their tasting room is casual and fun and meant to be a family affair. There's even a bucket of chalk for kids to doodle on the floor of the tasting room while the grownups sip on some wine. Two Mountain Winery's approach is to make wines that are elegant, fun and inviting. The Rawn Brothers share the same philosophy as the Midwest Wine Guy - Wine should not be intimidating!
ABV: 14.0%
Retail Price: $30.00
Score: 92
www.twomountainwinery.com
The 2009 Chardonnay from Two Mountain Winery is a new release that is pleasing to the palate and very refreshing. Golden straw in color, this wine has rich aromas of pear, apple, honey and lemon candy. In the mouth is a are crisp and refreshing citrus fruit flavors with warm butter and mineral characteristics. This Chardonnay should not be serve over chilled so the flavor profiles are savored correctly. Very nice tight finish and a great food wine.
About Two Mountain Winery:
Owned and operated by brothers Matthew and Patrick Rawn, this family winery had their first crush in 2002 and produces about 3000 cases of Washington wines annually. They operate a 26-acre estate vineyard with three generations of family members, with help from their 4 wine dogs - Bentley, Gus, Rudy and Stoli.
ABV: 13.4%
Retail Price: $20.00
Score: 88
www.twomountainwinery.com
Rich and flavorful are two of the first words that come to mind in this 2006 Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvingon. Medium purple in the glass, the nose is bursting with black cherries, plum and cocoa powder. The palate is a full bodied blend of dark chewy fruits, chocolate, tar and just a hint of pepper. Towards the end the fruit really shines but isn't overpowering. The tannins are very firm, yet mouth watering. This is a very good wine that should drink well for 7 - 10 years.
About Conn Creek Winery:
Conn Creek rests in the heart of Napa Valley and is located on the beautiful Silverado Trail. Founded in 1973, they are best known for the Bordeaux-styled wines that produce complexity and flavor that wine enthusiasts enjoy and demand.
ABV: 14.5%
Retail Price: $25.00
Score: 91
www.conncreek.com
I had the Petite Syrah from Cooper's Hawk with dinner there last night. Petite Syrah has come a long way in recent years. Where it was once very tannic and rough around the edges, winemakers now know how to maximize the flavors of this grape and finesse the wine, even if it is often overlooked or underappreciated. This wine would compare to many great west coast Petite Syrah I have tasted over the years. This wine has a balanced nose of blueberry, fresh blackberry, sweet vanilla, violets and damp soil. The flavors in the glass are incredibly well blended - blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and just the right amount of oak, resulting tannins that are polished and juicy. This is one of my new favorites at Cooper's Hawk.
About Cooper's Hawk:
Cooper's Hawk is a modern, casual restaurant that serves their own award winning hand crafted wines made from grapes from the west coast. The restaurants are complete with a tasting room and gift shop. Started in Illinois, they now have 5 locations in the midwest with more on the horizon.
Retail Price: $17.99
Score: 92
www.coopershawkwinery.com
