The 2009 Cabernet Franc Conner Lee Vineyard (100%) offers up a panorama of herbs and spices, floral notes, cassis, and black currants. In the glass it opens to reveal its elegant personality along with layered savory flavors, good balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It will provide enjoyment through 2021 and is an outstanding value. If I were forced to name a single Washington winery offering the best value across the entire range of their portfolio, it might well be Arbor Crest. I made that statement one year ago and these new releases only reinforce my view.Tel. (509) 927-9463; www.arborcrest.com

Scents suggest sweet grain and cracker ahead of thinly defined red fruit, and flavors follow. Light and slightly grapey, this is best consumed young.——P.G.(12/15/2011)—— 87