oregon
2020 Spangler Vineyards Cabernet Franc – One of the Best Ever Tasted!
Background
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.
Pat Spangler sent me a bottle of his newest release, the 2020 Cabernet Franc and below is the story for this vintage.
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 focused 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 is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
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
First on the eyes a deep ruby red coloring and medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose aromatic aromas waft into the olfactory sense of violets and cherries. On the palate this is no ordinary Cabernet Franc, it is one of statement and commands your attention to its pedigree. Earthiness, vanilla and with blackberry swirl with abundance in the palate. On the finish, black pepper and leather are dominant with a chewy and delicious finish with just a modicum of oak. This is an exceptional Cabernet Franc not only for Oregon, but for the entire west coast including California. A bold statement and worthy of this comment! Only 186 cases were produced and in barrel for 18 months.
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 1 to 2% of the 1600-1800 wines tasted during the year! That list comes out each December. I cannot stress how solid this wine represents the true character of Cabernet Franc.
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
The food pairing this evening was a seared and BBQ’ed filet mignon to a radiant pink medium rare level. Served with Point Reyes Blue Cheese sprinkled on top. Accompanied by a Yukon potato and an artichoke and a side salad consisting fresh baby spinach, bacon, sliced apple, dried cranberries and pecans with balsamic dressing.
Besides being a scrumptious meal and being in awe of the quality of the wine, one of the most enjoyable food and wine pairing this evening in some time!
Sláinte,
Michael