Appellation: Columbia Valley

Winemaker Morgan Lee, a graduate of Columbia Crest, has been making the wine for this small Woodinville winery since 2007. He used grapes from the Yakima Valley, Red Mountain and the Walla Walla Valley to craft a beautifully balanced Cab Franc. The aromas draw you in with notes of smoky cherries and an intriguing earthy component, followed by integrated flavors of bright cherries and a hint of dried leaves. Mild tannins make this approachable now, but we suspect it will continue to shine for the next few years. Rated "Outstanding" by Wine Press Northwest magazine. (14.4 percent alcohol)

Price: $36.

Cases produced: 200.

Food matches: Enjoy with everything from rib eye to flank steak.

Covington Cellars, 18580 142nd Ave. N.E., Woodinville, 425-806-8636, www.covingtoncellars.com