Spectral, Walla Walla (Oregon) Cabernet Franc 2017

 Walla Walla is a small, charming town in Eastern Washington.  It lends its name to an American Viticultural Area, Walla Walla Valley, which includes the town of Walla Walla and crosses the border into Oregon.  The AVA is famous for powerful but balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, so it’s a little surprising to find a Cabernet Franc created in the style of Loire Valley.  The grapes come from two of the region’s most famous vineyards Seven Hills and McClellan Estate Vineyard.  It is truly more Old Word than New, more savory than fruity.  It is light-bodied and stylish with a mélange of cherry, black currant, sandalwood flavors lifted by vivid acidity and fine-grained tannins.  This is a wine meant to join forces with foods like roast turkey, a veal stew such as Blanquette de Veau.  It can also handle foods with a bit of tartness like olives and feta cheese in a Greek salad.