{"product_id":"wautoma-springs-foodie-cabernet-franc-solaksen-vineyard-washington","title":"Wautoma Springs 'Foodie' Cabernet Franc Solaksen Vineyard, Washington","description":"\u003cp\u003eCassis, dark berries, green peppercorn, and black tea open with a savory, composed character framed by smooth tannins. 2022 Wautoma Springs 'Foodie' Cabernet Franc Solaksen Vineyard is a 100% Cabernet Franc from the elevated Solaksen Vineyard in Washington’s Royal Slope, aged in neutral oak to preserve the grape’s fruit, herbal detail, and natural structure. Produced in a small lot of just 322 cases, it reflects Jessica Munnell and Tom Merkle’s shared focus on expressive vineyard sourcing, thoughtful winemaking, and wines built naturally for the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Details:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOwners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jessica Munnell and Tom Merkle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker:\u003c\/strong\u003e Jessica Munnell\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrapes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% Cabernet Franc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFarming:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sustainably farmed vineyard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVineyard Source:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solaksen Vineyard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Franc Clones:\u003c\/strong\u003e 214 and 327\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adkins very fine sandy loam and Taunton fine sandy loam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eElevation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 1,430 to 1,490 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAging:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neutral oak\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3.84\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eABV:\u003c\/strong\u003e 14.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCase Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e 322 cases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSensory Description:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCassis and dark berry fruit lead the nose, followed by green peppercorn, black tea, and restrained herbal notes. The palate is medium-bodied and balanced, with ripe fruit carried by smooth tannins rather than heavy extraction. Savory spice and tea-like structure add definition through the mid-palate, while the neutral-oak élevage keeps the fruit and varietal character clear. The finish remains composed and food-friendly, with dark fruit, subtle herbs, and fine tannins lingering together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Accolades:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSilver:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sip Magazine 14th Annual Best of the Northwest Wine Awards, Cabernet Franc, 2025\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinemaker’s Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWautoma Springs began with a partnership between winemaker Jessica Munnell and grape grower Tom Merkle. The two met through Washington’s wine industry, and in 2008 Jessica approached Tom about creating a wine that would showcase fruit from his vineyards. Munnell brought winemaking experience gained through work in Australia and at producers including Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge, Mercer Wine Estates, and Vintage Wine Estates, while Merkle brought the perspective of a second-generation grower with extensive vineyard-management experience. Their winery remains deliberately boutique in scale, focusing on small lots and close relationships with the vineyards behind each wine. “Foodie” reflects that philosophy directly, with its name chosen to emphasize Cabernet Franc’s particular versatility at the table.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eServing Suggestions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eServe at approximately 15-17°C in a medium-sized Bordeaux or universal red wine glass. Its medium body, savory herbal character, and smooth tannins make it unusually flexible with food. Pair with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, grilled lamb, mushroom dishes, lentils, charcuterie, aged cheeses, tomato-based dishes, or herb-driven vegetables. It can also accompany richer stews and roasted meats without overpowering more careful preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bluebird Beverage and Distribution","offers":[{"title":"2022 \/ 750mL","offer_id":42435542482999,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2699\/1632\/files\/Wautoma_Springs_Foodie_Cabernet_Franc_Solaksen_Vineyard_Washington_2022.png?v=1789700939","url":"https:\/\/www.winedispensary.com\/products\/wautoma-springs-foodie-cabernet-franc-solaksen-vineyard-washington","provider":"Wine Dispensary","version":"1.0","type":"link"}