Designated in 2020, Royal Slope continues to grow in popularity for niche Washington winemakers like Structure Cellars. This Cabernet Franc is sourced from a single plot on Stoneridge Vineyard. Winemaker Brian Grasso uses his brown-label series to showcase and focus on the terroir around the region. The fruit shows both power and depth and is bursting with red fruit notes ranging from strawberry to red cherry. Unique accents of red licorice and sweet roasted red bell pepper are omnipresent and helps tie the wine’s vanilla and bold fruit characteristics together. Brian loves making bold and powerful wines but one must be careful — this one clocks in with an alcohol percentage of 14.5.
Structure Cellars, Royal Slope (Columbia Valley, Washington) Cabernet Franc 2021
By Vince Simmon