When
two of Oregon's best winemakers got married a few years ago, people speculated
that they'd combine their abilities to produce something very special.
Cheryl Francis was co-winemaker at Chehalem, where she made a handful
of vintages of fine Pinot noirs and wonderfully fresh and Alsacian whites
with Harry Pedersen-Nedry. Sam was winemaker with the inimitable Gary
Andrus at Archery Summit during a run of high 90 point wines through
the late 90's and early 00's.
Now Cheryl and Sam, along with
several other projects (not the least ofm which is two young sons), have
started their own winery, Francis Tannahill. Avalon is so honored to
be able to offer their wines to our customers. The wines are quite limited,
but while they are available, each is a small gem in its own way, worthy
of the most refined cellar.
Founded in 2001 by Cheryl
Francis and Sam Tannahill, co-owners of A to Z Wineworks, Francis Tannahill
strives to craft wines that offer the purest expression of unique terroirs,
old world technique, and impeccable winemaking. Select growers, vineyards,
and blocks are carefully tended to produce wines that balance poser and
concentration with integrity and elegance.
Wine Advocate 90+ points for 2003 vintage.
Tasting Notes from the winery - The wine possesses a beautiful dark garnet burgundy color from the almost opaque center to the rim. Excellently focu ...read more
Beautiful amber color. Aromas of apricots, white raisins, acacia honey, lychee, rose, Turkish Delight, and roasted nuts explode out of the glass. Thick and viscous on the palate, the wine is very swee ...read more
Black pepper, cassis, raspberries, minerals, violets, basalt, and graham are rich and lush on the palate. Warm and spicy with a deep tar note in the mouth. Vineyard sources: Sam's Valley, Deux Vert, ...read more
Huge aromatics of lychee, rose, acacia blossoms, perfume, lavender, and spice with a palate that mimics the nose and continues with a balance of viscosity, purity, weightless, and power. The hint of s ...read more
