Savage Grace Cabernet Franc Copeland Vineyard 2018

100% Cabernet Franc. Michael Savage was in the music industry before starting Savage Grace in 2011. Inspired by Burgundy, Cru Beaujolais, and Loire Cabernet Franc Michael crafts wine in a decidedly 'Old World' way. Michael puts his philosophy of low-intervention winemaking into practice, where the grape, vineyard, and vintage form a unique balance thus crafting a lower-alcohol, precise, and expressive wine. Their eighth vintage of this winery-signature Cabernet Franc offers raspberry, subtle earthiness, and hints of rhubarb. 20% whole-cluster with wild fermentation, the wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels for fifteen months and then bottled unfiltered. The aromas are arresting, with notes of fresh raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, whiffs of damp earth, and dried herbs that show vitality. The palate starts out light and delicate, with vivid, pure flavors, filling out over time. Enjoying a wine like this, it is easy to see why Michael Savage is one of Washington's best up-and-coming winemakers. This is a benchmark wine.