Founded in 1983, John Bookwalter is one of the nicest guys in the business, and he happens to make a knockout Cabernet Franc too. The source is one of Washington State’s epic vineyards, Connor-Lee. Planted in 1980 by the pioneering viticulturist, Dr. Walter Clore, the vineyard is sought after by winemakers for its exceptionally long ripening season. For this 2021 bottling, the grapes were harvested at the end of October and optimal extraction of flavor was achieved through a warm 14-day fermentation with daily punch downs between the skins and the juice.   

If you’ve never had John’s wines, there’s one thing that stands out: texture. These are big wines, but they’re not heavy. They’re powered by deep spirals of fruit with noticeably creamy tannins and an autumn-like freshness. In his Suspense Cabernet Franc, plums and raspberries mingle with sweet tobacco, rose, and moss greens. Then, on the palate, the wine hangs out for a while, its velvet glove fingers stretching into every nook of your mouth. Then, cool breezes of acidity, and “Yes, I’ll have another glass!” If this was Napa Valley, this Cabernet Franc would be double, ok triple, the price. So, keep Washington State on your radar, remember the name Connor-Lee, and an all-around, good-guy winemaker called John Bookwalter. ~Allegra A