By Duane Pemberton
Winery website: http://www.baselcellars.com/
Basel Cellars has been an iconic Walla Walla producer of premium wines since it started in 2001 with its noted winemaker, Trey Busch - in 2006, Justin Basel took over winemaking duties and hasn’t seemed to have missed a beat.
There aren’t a ton of wineries in Washington State producing 100% Cabernet Franc and I find that unfortunate as it really is one of my favorite Bordeaux varietals when done correctly and this 2008 Basel offering has done just that.
Technical Data:
- Vintage: 2008
- Varietals: 100% Cabernet Franc
- Aged 18 months in French and hungarian oak
- Appellation: Columbia Valley
- Vineyards: Chelle den Millie
- Released: November 2011
- Case Production: 300
- Price: $36
Nose: Massive cherry coke assault right off the bat that’s combined with nice aromas of rose petals, charred bell pepper, peppercorns, spiced blueberries and leather.
Taste: Really nice combination of red fruit, blueberry, dirt, bell pepper, spices and tannins. A very sold wine that maintains structure all the way through the mid palate. The finish is a tad weak for me, however, I’m sure with more bottle age that will come around. Overall, a good effort and a Cab Franc you should check out.
