2019 Spangler Vineyards Won Best of Show and Double Gold at 5th Annual Cabernet Franc Wine Competition
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Photo ©Michael Kelly
At the 5th International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition & Celebration (April 2024), Spangler Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Franc won Best of Show from the People’s Choice Judges in the Northwest Division. They also won a Double Gold Medal from the People’s Choice Judges. The Professional Judges awarded them a Silver Medal. This division was for Cabernet Franc varietal wines representing a minimum of 75% Cabernet Franc grapes coming from Oregon and Washington in the Northwest Division.
The Winery
Photo from Spangler Vineyards website
Spangler Vineyards is located at 491 Winery Lane, in Roseburg, Oregon. Roseburg is halfway between Eugene and Grants Pass and is considered southern Oregon next to Hwy 5. Pat Spangler moved from Chicago, initially looking for a winery in Sonoma County, but found an established winery for sale in Oregon in 2004. Once on the property the warm weather and various micro-climates were perfect for him to pursue his passion for Bordeaux varietal wines, especially Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
His wines are a combination of focusing on big, bold red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. He also features some Rhone favorites such as Syrah, Petite Sirah and Viognier. Additionally various sparkling wines, an unoaked Chardonnay and others fill out his offering. The total production is around 2,500 cases with almost all going to the wine club members.
The Wine – “Wine if bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The wine entered this year was the 2019 Cabernet Franc from the Sundown Vineyard. The 2019 won a Gold Medal at Savor Northwest and was rated 92 Points by Wine Enthusiast. It is 14.5% alcohol and was priced at $32/bottle. He typically uses specially ordered French barrels with a medium plus toast being 1/3 new, 1/3 once used and 1/3 being twice used.
Today’s vintage is the 2020 with 14.7% alcohol and still priced at $32/bottle. The 2020 has already won the following awards:
*Gold Medal – Best of Class – Cascadia international
*Gold Medal – San Francisco Chronicle Competition
*90 Points and Gold Medal at BTI/Tastings.com
*90 Points and Gold Medal at Oregon Wine Awards
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2019 being reviewed and Best of Show winner is a beautiful radiant violet color on the eyes and with medium viscosity. My a priori thinking was this would be a lighter Cabernet Franc. Upon just the first sniff of the aroma coming from the glass, I knew I was incorrect. This was a robust and hearty version of Cabernet Franc from southern Oregon. Deep floral violet aromas jumped from the glass to the olfactory senses along with juicy red plums. Once on the palate, fresh raspberries, distinct pyrazines (bell pepper flavoring), red ripe cherries and a tinge of black licorice completed a delicious and all-encompassing taste. The finish was dry with surprisingly bold, gripping, spicy tannins and a tinge of black pepper. The tannins were welcome with the meal below. This Cabernet Franc was significantly different than many tasted from Oregon in an extremely positive note!
In a follow up conversation with Pat, he mentioned the diurnal swings in the Roseburg area are some of the most dramatic in the USA. For example, the day we spoke, it was going to be a high of 102 and a low of 51 degrees! The warm days and cool evenings are ideal for Cabernet Franc (and other varieties).
This wine will make my annual Best Wines tasted during 2024. That list is reserved for roughly 2% of the 1600-1800 wines tasted during the year! That list comes out each December.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Pulled this wine tonight to go with seared “Black & Blue” filet Mignon. Seared at 1500 degrees and served with a nice burn on the outside and rare on the inside. Served topped with crumbled Danish Blue cheese. Accompanied by seasoned and roasted quartered small Yukon Gold potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese and crisp bacon. A fresh garden salad completed the meal. This was an excellent food and wine pairing with the wine bringing the bold tannins to engage with the meat.
Sláinte,
Michael