Martin Woods Cabernet Franc Rosé '24

Evan Martin, the founder and winemaker at Martin Woods, began making wine for himself in 2014, building his own winery near McMinnville in 2017. Previously, he had gained winemaking experience in Washington and then at Belle Pente in Oregon. At the Martin Woods winery, he focuses on small-lot winemaking and patient élevage, creating wines with limited use of new oak barrels and bottling without fining, to preserve both textural and aromatic complexity.

Inspired by the rosés of Domaine Guiberteau, one of the great Loire Valley producers in Saumur, the Martin Woods rosé is made of Cabernet Franc and shows the elegant yet structured side of rosé made from this variety. The 2024 vintage marks the first time the winery was able to work with these Cabernet Franc vines, grown in the marine-influenced Eola-Springs Vineyard. A relatively late harvest date allowed for fuller development of spicy and floral aromatics in the grapes while retaining fresh acidity.

This rosé offers a beautifully perfumed nose, with notes of fresh red berries, yellow cherry, lilac, and green herbs, and a subtle peppery aroma. On the palate, the refreshing acidity leads to a dry, clean, mouthwatering finish. Delectable yet firmly structured, this rosé is easy to drink now yet also a great bottle to age for a few years.