Click below to learn more about this month’s club selections!

1. 2022 WHITMAN HILL CABERNET FRANC

Yakima Valley, Washington

Grape Varietals

• Cabernet Franc

Whitman Hill’s philosophy centers on producing single-varietal expressions of Bordeaux grapes, with an emphasis on varietal character rather than heavy cellar manipulation.

Location

Country: United States
State: Washington
AVA: Yakima Valley
Estate: Whitman Hill Estate Vineyard, Zillah

The Whitman Hill estate sits high above the Yakima Valley near Zillah, Washington, at approximately 1,400 feet elevation. The vineyard is characterized by sandy loam, river rock and layers of caliche, while its elevation and sloping terrain help keep the fruit cooler during the afternoon.

Cellaring

Drink: Now–2032

The 2022 Cabernet Franc has sufficient freshness, fruit concentration and structure to continue developing over the next several years. Wine critic Owen Bargreen specifically recommends a 2026–2032 drinking window, awarding the wine 91 points.

It should be beautiful now for those who enjoy vibrant fruit and freshness, while additional bottle age should allow the fruit to soften and bring forward more earthy, savory, dried-herb and secondary characteristics.

Tasting Notes

The 2022 Whitman Hill Cabernet Franc offers a particularly plush and polished interpretation of the variety. Loganberry and dark currant form the fruit core, accompanied by espresso-like notes and a fresh, energetic palate. Other notes include cherry, violets, rose petals, underbrush and earthy qualities, giving the wine an attractive combination of ripe fruit, floral character and savory complexity. The mouthfeel is supple rather than heavy, with enough freshness to keep the dark fruit lively. Interestingly, owner Scott Whitman has noted that Cabernet Franc performs exceptionally well on their estate site and tends not to develop the overtly green character sometimes associated with the grape.

Food Pairings

Cabernet Franc’s combination of fruit, acidity, moderate tannin and savory character makes this an excellent food wine. Pair it with roast lamb, grilled pork tenderloin, duck breast, herb-roasted chicken, steak, sausages or mushroom dishes. The wine’s dark berry fruit will complement roasted meats, while its floral, earthy and savory qualities work beautifully with rosemary, thyme and other herbs. For a vegetarian pairing, try mushroom risotto, grilled portobellos, lentils or roasted root vegetables. Aged cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyère or cheddar would also make excellent partners.

Producer

Whitman Hill Winery is a family-owned estate founded by Scott and Denise Whitman. The couple had previously co-owned another Washington winery and sourced fruit from the Yakima Valley before acquiring their own property in Zillah in 2020. Their goal was to establish a true estate operation where they could control the process from vineyard through bottle. Whitman Hill focuses heavily on Bordeaux varieties and emphasizes precision, balance and varietal identity—the winery specifically says that Cabernet Franc should taste unmistakably like Cabernet Franc. Each vineyard block is picked and fermented separately before blending decisions are made, allowing individual portions of the estate to retain their character.

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2. 2021 DINEEN VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Yakima Valley, Washington

Grape Varietals

• Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine is bottled as a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon from Dineen’s Yakima Valley estate. Wine Enthusiast identifies Cabernet Sauvignon as the variety and awarded the 2021 vintage 91 points.

Location

Country: United States
State: Washington
AVA: Yakima Valley
Estate: Dineen Vineyards
Area: Rattlesnake Hills / Zillah area

The Dineen estate lies in the hills north of Zillah in the upper Yakima Valley. The property encompasses approximately 92 acres and is particularly well known as a source of premium fruit for other Washington wineries in addition to producing wines under its own label.

Cellaring

Recommended drinking window: 2025–2033

Tasting Notes

The 2021 Dineen Cabernet Sauvignon is a structured but polished expression of Yakima Valley Cabernet. Aromatically, expect black cherry, black currant and pomegranate, with darker accents of chocolate and barrel spice. You will also find tart red raspberry and fresh espresso on the nose, followed by richer raspberry and pastry-like chocolate flavors on the palate. Despite the richness of the fruit, the wine retains good acidity and firm tannins, preventing it from becoming overly heavy or jammy. Washington Tasting Room awarded it 94 points, describing the tannins as smooth and refined and noting that the wine remains focused through the finish.

Food Pairings

This is a wine that wants something substantial alongside it. Pair it with grilled ribeye, porterhouse steak, prime rib, braised short ribs, roast lamb, veal or beef tenderloin. The Cabernet’s tannins are particularly well suited to richer cuts of meat, while its dark fruit and barrel spice work beautifully with grilled and roasted flavors. Rosemary, thyme, mustard and paprika are especially complementary seasonings. Specifically, grilled porterhouse, prime rib or veal and dishes seasoned with mustard, paprika, rosemary and thyme. For a vegetarian option, try grilled portobello mushrooms, lentils, eggplant or a mushroom-and-herb ragù.

Producer

Dineen Vineyards is a family-owned Yakima Valley estate located north of Zillah. The vineyard has developed a strong reputation not only for its own wines but as a source of premium grapes for other Washington producers; Dineen Vineyard fruit appears in numerous highly regarded Washington bottlings. The estate was also an early participant in Washington’s Sustainable WA program. The Dineen family’s property is particularly well suited to Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, while Syrah and several white varieties are also grown. The winery’s own production allows the family to show what its vineyard can accomplish under the Dineen name rather than solely through wines made by its grape customers.