Latah Creek Reserve Cabernet Franc 2021
Mike and Natalie, a father-daughter winemaking duo, are passionate about their collection of red wines, but they also enjoy experimenting with new varieties. This enthusiasm led them to create their Reserve Program, aimed at offering small-lot, high-quality wines that are not commonly produced. The inspiration came from Natalie’s desire to explore different varietals beyond their usual selections. By crafting 5 barrels or fewer of each distinct varietal, they ensure special care and attention is dedicated to these wines, which is why they proudly bear the Reserve label.
The Cabernet Franc varietal serves as one of the parent grapes for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère, contributing to their minty or peppery characteristics. Depending on the growing region, the resulting wine can range from light to bold. Mike and Natalie have successfully created examples of both, with a lighter version from 2011 cultivated near Wahluke Slope, and this 2021 Reserve wine representing the bold side, sourced just outside the Red Mountain border. The distinct flavors of this wine made it a perfect candidate for our Mike’s Reserve Red blend, and accounts for 26% in our no.4 version.