Charles Smith Chateau Smith 2007

Vineyards: 65% Alder Ridge Vineyard —atop a series of arid ridges rising 1000 ft from the Columbia River; volcanic soils. 25% Milbrandt Vineyard—farmed by the Milbrandt family on the Wahlke Slope; steep south facing slope. 6% Frenchman Hills Vineyard—on the famed Royal Slope in the Columbia Valley; steep south facing slope. 2.5% Upland Farms—farmed by the Milbrandt family in the foothills of the Saddle Mountains; deep silt loam. 1.5% Jones Vineyard —farmed by the Milbrandt family in the Columbia Valley; steep south facing slope; lacustine silts over Ellensburg formation, high pH soil.

Tasting Notes: Delicious Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromatics galore—cigar box, pencil lead, cedar and currants with super refined tannins and a long, fine finish. French? No. Chateau Smith? OUI!