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Abbey Road Farm 2022 White Bluffs Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Spectacular Sites
Daniel and Sandi Wilkens acquired Abbey Road Farm in 2017 with the goal of establishing a distinctive destination in Oregon Wine Country. They had developed a special brand of hospitality at Hanko’s Sports Bar & Grill in Lake Oswego and their vision was to showcase that fervent commitment to hospitality and a dedication to organic practices, utilizing the soil and land to craft exquisite wines and beyond. Since that time, they have cultivated more than 45 acres of vineyards, featuring a diverse range of 16 different grape varieties. Farmed with regenerative organic practices where biodiversity is fostered and encouraged.
After purchasing the property they immediately began improvements to the 82-acre farm to turn it into an all-encompassing agritourism destination. Today, Abbey Road Farm boasts one of the most unique lodging opportunities in the area, offering five silo guest suites, and a three-bedroom guest ranch house. The property’s vegetable garden and chicken coop provide fresh ingredients for gourmet breakfasts. Sweeping lawns provide breathtaking views and a gathering space for up to 200 people. Abbey Road Farm’s permanent residents are available to greet guests: mini donkeys, chickens, mini goats, ducks, llamas and alpacas. The facility offers a variety of lawn games including horse shoes, cornhole, croquet and giant Jenga. With close proximity to some of Willamette Valley’s premier wineries, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, Our Lady of Guadalupe Trappist Abbey, and Agrivino Fine Dining Event Center, there is no shortage of activities, wining and dining in the neighborhood.
Cellar 503 Tasting Notes
Abbey Road Farm, Carlton, Oregon
2022 White Bluffs Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Tasting notes
Our 2022 White Bluffs Cabernet Franc opens with enticing aromas of blackberry bramble and ripe black cherry, balanced by subtle red fruit notes of raspberry and currant. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with a medium body that showcases the varietal’s characteristic herbaceousness. Layers of green bell pepper, tomato leaf, and a touch of guajillo pepper add complexity, while hints of caramelized onion and roasted jalapeño offer a savory depth. Production notes
Grapes were handpicked and destemmed into a 3T stainless steel tank where they were pumped over once a day and pressed off after 13 days on the skins. Aged in neutral French Oak for 16 months.
BACK TO SCHOOL
When a winemaker has traveled the world, deciding to settle at a single estate winery and then makes a wine from fruit grown else where - we tend to sit up and pay attention. It is a major red flag for us....because it usually means that the winemaker has fallen in love with truly special fruit that they can't grow themselves and more importantly they know how they can elevate it further.
White Bluffs vineyard was planted in 1980, and enjoys a distinct microclimate that provides for more heat than vineyards to the west, and avoids the frosts and freezes to the east. A true expression of ideal climate and soil, fruit from this vineyard never disappoints. The south facing hillsides above the Columbia River allow for cold air to drop off in the spring and absorb more heat in the growing season. Sandy, rocky soil makes for excellent drainage making for concentrated fruit.
The White Bluffs AVA, situated within the Columbia Valley AVA in Washington state, offers a distinctive environment for viticulture. This region is characterized by its elevated plateau, in this case rising about 1100 feet above the surrounding Pasco Basin. This elevation protects the vineyards from cold air and frost, providing a longer growing season compared to neighboring areas - key to ripening and building flavor in Cabernet Franc.
Fun Facts About Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is a parent to Cabernet Sauvignon (Along with Merlot and Carménère). The crossing occurred sometime during the middle 1600s around Bordeaux, France.
One of the most treasured Cabernet Franc wines comes from the Saint-Émilion appellation in Bordeaux, made by Château Cheval Blanc.
The herbaceous character in Cabernet Franc is caused by a group of aroma compounds called methoxypyrazines or “pyrazines” for short.
The specific methoxypyrazine that contributes to the distinct flavor is 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), which is also found in Sauvignon Blanc.
A Cellar 503 selection in September 2025, Back to School Columbia Valley | Cabernet Franc
