Francis Tannahill Wines

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 Tannahill 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 of 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.

About Francis Tannahill Wines
Secrets to their sucess
by Cole Danehower

Francis and Tannahill
About Winemakers
Cheryl Francis and Sam Tannahill
by Christina Kelly

Francis Tannahill "Passito" 08 375 ml $25.95 Retail $23.36 Qty. The Passito is a Rousanne/Marsanne/Viognier Dessert Wine. 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 w... read more

Francis Tannahill Gewurztraminer "Dragonfly" 07 $24.75 Retail $22.27 Qty. 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 sweetness carries the wine into a long finish... read more

Francis Tannahill "Herald" Chardonnay 09 $25.45 Retail $22.91 Qty. This Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown at the Longsword Vineyard, grapes that were planted 25 years ago. The wine was made the old-fashioned way with minimal handling. Flavors include white peaches with hints of citrus fruits. This Chardo... read more

Francis Tannahill Pinot noir "The Hermit" 06 $43.95 Retail $39.55 Qty. Sam Tannahill was winemaker with Gary Andrus at Archery Summit before founding Francis Tannahill with his wife, Cheryl Francis. They are also partners in A to Z and Rex Hill wineries. Portland Monthly's September issue nam... read more

Francis Tannahill Syrah "Mason Dixon" 06 $28.45 Retail $25.61 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, and Quail Run. 250 cases produced.... read more

Francis Tannahill Rogue Valley Grenache 07 $28.45 Retail $25.61 Dark purple/black from the rim to the center with aromas of black pepper, raspberries, cassis, blueberries, blackberries, smoked game, crushed stones and a top note of leather all vie for attention in the glass. Flavors of smoke, dark red and p... read more