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2024 DarkRock Red Blend

Wahluke Slope, Washington

Grape Varietals

• Malbec
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc

Location

• Country: United States
• State: Washington
• American Viticultural Area: Wahluke Slope
• Winemaking location: Prosser, Washington

The wine is produced entirely from fruit grown in DarkRock’s family-owned Washington vineyards. The Wahluke Slope is one of Washington’s warmest and driest growing regions, known for producing deeply colored red wines with concentrated fruit and ripe tannins.

Cellaring

Drink now through 2031.

DarkRock Red Blend is made to be generous and enjoyable in its youth, but its combination of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc gives it enough fruit concentration, acidity and tannin to develop over approximately five to seven years. With proper storage, the fresh blackberry and blueberry flavors should gradually evolve toward dried fruit, cocoa, tobacco and softer savory notes.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby in color, this Washington red blend opens with generous aromas of blackberry pie, blueberry, violet and dark plum, accompanied by cocoa, black tea and subtle coffee notes. Malbec provides the wine’s juicy dark-fruit character and plush texture, while Cabernet Sauvignon contributes freshness, structure and lift. A small amount of Cabernet Franc adds aromatic detail and a lightly herbal, savory edge. The palate is rich and fruit-forward without feeling overly heavy, supported by smooth tannins and a long finish filled with dark berries and cocoa. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and matured in a combination of French and American oak.

Food Pairings

This approachable red blend is an excellent partner for grilled pork chops, barbecue chicken, hamburgers, beef or mushroom tacos and smoky pulled-pork sandwiches. It would also pair well with bruschetta topped with roasted tomatoes, sausage pizza, baked pasta, black-bean dishes and grilled vegetables. Its ripe fruit can complement moderately spicy sauces, while its smooth tannins make it easy to serve with both casual meals and larger gatherings. DarkRock specifically recommends it with bruschetta, taco night and grilled pork.

Producer

DarkRock is a family-owned Washington wine brand produced by the team at Four Feathers Wine Services in Prosser. Its wines are made exclusively from grapes grown in the family’s own vineyards throughout Washington State. These vineyards are shaped by basalt-rich soils, long summer daylight hours, strong Columbia River winds and dramatic differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. DarkRock emphasizes estate-grown fruit, sustainable farming and accessible wines that express Washington’s combination of ripe fruit, freshness and structure. The vineyards are certified sustainable, and the wines are intended to offer an approachable introduction to the character of Washington wine.

2021 Dineen Vineyards Cabernet Franc

Yakima Valley, Washington, USA

Grape Varietals

• 100% Cabernet Franc

Location

Country: United States
State: Washington
AVA: Yakima Valley

Dineen Vineyards is located in the upper Yakima Valley near Zillah, where warm summer days, cool evenings and well-drained soils consistently produce Cabernet Franc with excellent ripeness while preserving vibrant acidity. The estate is certified through the Sustainable WA program, reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible vineyard practices.

Cellaring

Drink now through 2035.

The 2021 vintage is already beautifully expressive but has the structure and acidity to reward another 8–10 years of cellaring. As it matures, expect the vibrant fruit to evolve toward dried cherries, tobacco leaf, cedar, leather and earthy complexity while the tannins become increasingly silky.

Tasting Notes

Cabernet Franc often serves as a supporting player in Bordeaux blends, but here it confidently takes center stage. The 2021 vintage opens with wonderfully lifted aromas of plumeria, violets and fresh wildflowers, followed by ripe raspberry, red currant and black cherry. As the wine opens, notes of orange zest, black tea, dried herbs and subtle baking spice emerge, adding remarkable complexity. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with lively acidity, refined tannins and impressive freshness. Flavors of juicy red berries, dark cherry, cocoa and savory herbs are framed by elegant structure and carry through a long, polished finish. The balance between bright fruit, floral aromatics and savory nuance makes this an excellent example of Washington Cabernet Franc. It earned 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its exceptional quality and expressive character.

Food Pairings

This Cabernet Franc is exceptionally food-friendly and pairs beautifully with grilled lamb chops, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, cedar-planked salmon and roast duck. It is equally delicious alongside mushroom risotto, lentil dishes, roasted root vegetables and grilled eggplant, where its earthy undertones complement the vegetables’ natural sweetness. Hard cheeses such as aged Gouda, Comté and sharp white cheddar also make outstanding companions. The wine’s bright acidity and moderate tannins allow it to pair with a wider range of dishes than many fuller-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons.

Producer

Dineen Vineyards is a second-generation family estate in Washington’s Yakima Valley, founded on the belief that exceptional wine begins in the vineyard. The family farms its estate vineyards with meticulous attention to sustainability, earning certification through the Sustainable WA program. Since establishing their winery, Dineen has become known for producing elegant, site-driven wines that showcase the distinctive character of Yakima Valley fruit. Under winemaker Samantha Mallery, the winery has earned growing recognition for crafting polished, expressive wines that combine Old World balance with Washington’s vibrant fruit profile. Rather than emphasizing power alone, Dineen focuses on purity, structure and wines that reflect the unique character of their estate vineyards.