Waters, Cappella Red 2013, Washington

Tasting Note: A cabernet-franc-and-merlot red blend from Washington state that impresses with depth of flavor, aromatics and structure that echoes the Right Bank.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic nose of blackberry, red-and-black plum, kirsch, graphite, rhubarb, cedar and violet.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied cabernet franc and merlot blend delivers elegant, concentrated red-and-black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity, and ripe, slightly-grippy, medium-plus tannin ultimately completing with a medium-plus, black-fruit-infused finish.

There is midpalate complexity and flavor concentration.

A wine that will make you want to try more cabernet franc and merlot blends.

Bottle Note: A solo expression without accompaniment. A blend of cabernet franc from the Wahluke slope and merlot from high above the Columbia River on a mixture of sandy loam and basalt. This wine is brimming with bright red fruits, earthy aromatics and masculine underlayer of tannin. 60% Stone Tree Cabernet Franc, 40% Canoe Ridge Vineyard Merlot. – Jamie Brown.