Burning Desire

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Year after year, Burning Desire Estate Cabernet Franc from Hard Row to Hoe is one of our favorite Washington state Cab Francs. The 2016 vintage is no exception.

First, this fine wine from the Lake Chelan AVA is beautiful, rich, concentrated and elegant. Deep purple in color, the wine features notes of bright raspberries, violets, pencil lead, bell pepper and herbs. Classic Cab Franc from a unique Washington state winery with a memorable brand.

While definitely drinkable now, we suggest decanting it first. Or if you have patience, put it down for a couple of years. It will be worth the wait.

And considering the name, don’t you think this wine would make a great Valentine’s Day present?

Every Picture Tells a Story

Second, as you can imagine, the name Burning Desire has a captivating story — one we’ve told to many friends. The bottle label depicts a burning brothel. And the quote on the back declares: “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”‘

Hopefully, you’re now curious enough to read the entire tale in our previous 2016 post: Hard Row to Hoe – Wine with a Story. Believe me, it’s a good one!

That’s because talented co-owner and winemaker Judy Phelps not only makes very good wines, but also is smart, fun and a great storyteller.

Hard Row to Hoe

In addition, Judy is a gracious host. We have sent many friends to this winery in Manson, in the beautiful Lake Chelan area. And if they’re lucky, she is at the tasting room pouring a wide selection of her tasty creations.

Her wines are numerous and generate rave reviews. For example, wine critic Jeb Dunnuck said “This estate makes a bevy of beautiful wines from the Lake Chelan AVA”.

Some of these Hard Row to Hoe wines also have names associated with the racy brand:

  • Shameless Hussy (Rosé, and also VIognier)
  • Bordello Blanc
  • Seduction (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Primitivo, and Merlot)
  • S&M (Syrah, Malbec: “It’s so good, it hurts”)
  • Nauti Buoy (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Orange Muscat)
  • Good in Bed Sparkling Brut Rosé
  • Va Va Voom Vermouth

You get the picture! The full list of wines can be found at their website store.

Thanks, Judy, for sending us this latest vintage of Burning Desire, which Dunneck said “is possibly the finest wine I’ve tasted from this appellation.”

Cheers!
Margot and Dave