2023 Bull Run Cabernet Franc, Rock Mill Estate Vineyard, Little Washington, Virginia

Some wines tell a story the moment you open the bottle — and this is one of them. Crafted by a Black winemaker at Bull Run Winery in the rolling hills of Little Washington, Virginia, this Cabernet Franc is proof that the American East Coast has something serious to say about wine. Dry, structured, and layered with dark fruit and earthy elegance, it’s the kind of bottle that makes a dinner party feel like an event. Perfect for gifting, celebrating, or simply treating yourself to something that means something.

Wine Details & Tasting Notes

Tasting Notes: Aromas of dark cherry, blackcurrant, and a whisper of green bell pepper — the hallmark of a beautifully expressive Cab Franc. On the palate, you’ll find medium-to-full body, silky tannins, earthy undertones, and a long, savory finish with hints of tobacco and dried herbs. Elegant without being fussy. This is a wine that rewards the curious drinker.

• Origin – Little Washington, Virginia, USA
• Producer – Bull Run Winery; Black winemaker, woman winemaker, family-owned, sustainably farmed
• Varietal – Cabernet Franc, Merlot (red blend)
• Style – Dry red wine
• ABV – 13.2%
• Certification – Sustainably farmed

Food Pairing

Cabernet Franc is one of the most food-friendly red varietals in the world — structured enough to stand up to bold flavors, yet elegant enough not to overpower delicate ones. This Virginia expression pairs beautifully with herb-crusted lamb, grilled duck breast, and slow-roasted pork tenderloin. The earthy, savory finish makes it a natural match for mushroom-based dishes — think wild mushroom risotto or a truffle pasta. Hosting a dinner party? This is your anchor red. It also pairs well with aged cheeses and a well-seasoned charcuterie board.

• Pairs well with: Herb-crusted lamb, grilled duck, roasted pork tenderloin, wild mushroom risotto, truffle pasta
• Also great with: Aged cheddar, gruyère, charcuterie, roasted root vegetables, beef stew
• Serve at: 60–65°F — decant 20–30 minutes to open up the aromatics

Occasion

This is your dinner party wine, your “I want to impress someone” wine, and your “I deserve something special tonight” wine. Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, and corporate gifting. A meaningful gift for the wine lover who values representation and discovery. Perfect for autumn and winter entertaining — and honestly, any night that deserves a little elevation.

Wine Producer / Historical Notes

Bull Run Winery is a family-owned estate in Virginia’s Piedmont wine country, farming sustainably in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Rock Mill Estate Vineyard benefits from cool nights and clay-loam soils that create ideal conditions for Cabernet Franc. At the helm of the winemaking program is a Black woman winemaker who is quietly redefining what Virginia wine can be — bringing both technical precision and a deeply personal vision to every vintage. Virginia’s wine industry is one of the fastest-growing in the country, and Bull Run is at the forefront of both quality and representation. When you pour this wine, you’re not just drinking Virginia terroir. You’re supporting a story that deserves to be told.

Shipping

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