2023 Kobayashi, Washington State, Mizunara Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is the grape that made Kobayashi's name, and this is its most singular expression. It comes from an ungrafted, organically farmed, east-facing parcel of Red Willow Vineyard, a high-elevation Yakima Valley site with sandy loam soils. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged in 100% Japanese Mizunara oak (50% new). Kobayashi is the only U.S. winery importing these barrels. The oak adds cedar and incense to the herbal, mint, and violet notes. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Tiny quantities from a project making under 1,000 cases a year.