Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Willow Crest Cabernet Franc
By Kori ~ May 5th, 2011.
Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2008 Willow Crest Cabernet Franc from the Yakima Valley of Washington State.
Our selection criteria include:
- A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
- A price tag of <=$15
- Must be widely available
The Minick Family first planted wine grapes on their Roza farm, north of Prosser, Washington, in 1982, and then David Minick founded Willow Crest Winery in 1995. Willow Crest uses fruit from their 240-acre Minick Family Estate Vineyard to produce their wines. In 2008, Willow Crest partnered with Seattle-based Precept Wine Brands, and Peter Devison was named head winemaker the following year. David Minick continues to oversee the estate vineyard and all wine production. Currently, Willow Crest produces about 8,000 cases per year.
“Our estate’s flagship red is considerably Old World in style, reminiscent of Cabernet Franc coming from the Loire Valley of France. Consistent warm days and cool nights throughout version allow us to fully ripen our fruit without elevated sugars and jam-type/cooked flavors and aromas.†–Willow Crest Winery
2008 Willow Crest Cabernet Franc (Minick Vineyard, Yakima Valley, Washington): Medium to deep, ruby red. Nose is a bit tight at first and then Red Vines come through. Flavors of red fruits, spice, and herbal notes. Medium to full-bodied with crisp acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Full Pull Wines (Seattle, Washington), $11; Available elsewhere, $11
Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, American Wine, Cabernet Franc, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
Great pick, I think this is a terrific wine for the money, Kori. The varietal is food friendly, too.
Sounds like a very good pick to consider and well within a reasonable budget. The flavors appear to be very appealing and likely will taste great with a freshly cooked steak. Thank you.
Nancy and CoffeeGuy,
Thanks for your comments. Cheers!