Cabernet Franc Bow & Arrow, Scott and Dana Frank, Portland 2023

Scott and Dana Frank, Portland 

Scott Frank of Bow & Arrow beys the rule of the Loire. For him it involves sourcing the right vineyards and farmers who understand his requirements for grapes that pack fruit and acid in equal measure.

Despite Oregon’s constant comparisons to Burgundy, it’s the Loire Valley that inspires Scott Frank’s wines. He only started bottling in 2010 but has quickly earned a reputation for bringing a bit of the Loire to the Pacific Northwest. They source fruit from vineyards planted by some of Oregon’s earliest ‘wine pioneers’ that were planted with grapes like old vine Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Melon de Bourgogne – all typical Loire Valley grapes. These carefully sourced grapes are treated with the greatest care and minimal-intervention winemaking techniques. Their resulting wines are a breath of fresh (French) air from Oregon, lighter in style, lower in alcohol, and extremely food-friendly.

Sourced entirely from the Biodynamic Johan Vineyard, this single varietal bottle of Cab Franc was made according to the detailed notes I took at my favorite Chinon cellars a decade ago. Aged 16months in old puncheon. Only 200 cases produced.

Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc

Biodynamic