Corvidae Keeper Cabernet Franc 2010 - Owen Roe

Review:

Corvidae Wine Company's "Keeper" Cabernet Franc is made by Owen Roe. This Cabernet Franc is plush and velvety, full-bodied and easy drinking. The scent and flavors knock you out - spice joins black tea, fresh tobacco, thyme, sweet cedar chips, black berries and cassis. When Cabernet Franc is made from well ripened fruit, (as this wine is) it combines plush fruit and interesting accent notes with body that stands well with rich roasted and grilled meats.

Several distinctive vineyards from the Yakima Valley AVA were sourced to produce this exceptional and affordable Cabernet Franc. The 2008 vintage in Yakima Washington was superior for Cabernet Franc. Consistently warm and moderate temperatures yielded perfectly ripened fruit for this wine, and the result is an exceptional and affordable example of this unique varietal. Lovely fresh tobacco and green olive fragrance provide a gracious backdrop for the exuberant berry fruit with just a hint of violets. - the winery

The Keeper "...is truly a "keeper". This deliciously large version of Cab Franc is smoother than Cabernet Sauvignon, less earthy than Merlot, approachable like Aussie Syrah and spicy like a smooth Zinfandel. There's few options to pair this wine incorrectly...you'll love it alone or with any meaty meal. There's not much of it out there, however..." - Seattle Examiner 7-3-09

This is a great price for a rich and full-bodied Cabernet Franc - as is usual with Owen Roe.

"Do not look upon me [with scorn],
because I am dark, because the sun
has tanned me. My mother's sons
were angry with me; they made me
the keeper of the vineyards,
but my own vineyard I have not kept." (Song 1:6)

"Corvidae" is named for the family of birds that includes crows and ravens. Crows have a long history in folklore and mythology. David was inspired to name the label Corvidae by the many crows that circle the sky over his winery in Yakima.

Each Corvidae wine is named with a particular fairy tale, fable, or legend in mind. "Rook" references the legendary luck associated with crows. "Lenore" is named for Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven". "Fable" is inspired by the story of the fox and the crow and its moral- "Beware of Flatterers". "Mirth" refers to an old nursery rhyme about magpies. More wines in the series will be named for other references to crows in folklore.