Owen Roe 2022 Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc Yakima Valley

The Owen Roe 2022 “Rosa Mystica” Cabernet Franc from Washington’s Yakima Valley is an elegant yet powerful expression of Cabernet Franc in the Pacific Northwest style—brimming with vibrant red fruit, refined herbaceous complexity and mineral-driven structure. It offers both immediate finesse and the promise of aging gracefully.

Origins & Craftsmanship

This 2022 vintage of Rosa Mystica is sourced from hillside vineyards in the Yakima Valley AVA, including blocks at Red Willow Vineyard, Outlook Vineyard and the Union Gap estate sites. The cool climate, significant diurnal swings and well-drained soils allow Cabernet Franc to develop bright aromatics and expressive structure. After harvest (from late September through late October), the wine was aged for sixteen months in French oak, approximately forty percent of which was new, to give depth without overpowering the varietal’s clarity and site character. The winery describes the result as exhibiting an “old-world” sensibility with excellent aging potential.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Opens with bright red-berry aromas—fresh strawberry, ripe raspberry—layered with woodland herbs (sage, thyme), a hint of forest floor, and subtle vanilla-oak spice.
Palate: Medium to full in body with fruit core of red plum and red currant. The mid-palate reveals firm but polished tannins, peppery spice, dried herb nuance and a chalky mineral thread that underscores the Washington terroir.
Finish: Long and poised—lingering cherry skin, gentle cocoa-dust, soft smoke and a savory echo of black tea leaf. The structure remains lively, inviting another sip and suggesting the wine will evolve well in the cellar.

Quick Overview