Went to a birthday party on Monday night. Tasted a few of the wines brought by guests, and these were my two favorites:
2019 Yellowstone Cellars & Winery Cabernet Franc Columbia Valley
One might have a tendency to think that a Montana winery called Yellowstone produces tourist plonk, but in this case you'd be wrong. Winemaker-owner Clint Peck is serious about wine and makes an excellent line-up of affordable red wines from Eastern Washington fruit. This cab franc is, for my tastes, one of his best. Black currant fruit with warm and ruddy sandalwood notes and spot-on varietal spice and herbs, drinking perfectly at present.
2011 Force Majeure Cabernet Sauvignon Collaboration Series V Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Mountain
PnP. Deep, dark fruits, long finish. Some leathery nuances are sneaking it but it's not yet fully mature. Excellent!