Christopher Michael Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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Broad and expressive, with juicy cherry, blackberry, floral and herb flavors on an open-weave frame, hinting at chocolate as the finish lingers.
Other Vintages
2019-
James
Suckling
In 2009, Ryan and Eric Harms started Christopher Michael Wines. The idea was simple; to use their home base in Oregon’s Willamette Valley to craft outstanding wines. They live and love what Oregon is: a place for doers, makers, explorers, artisans, and entrepreneurs who craft authentic, real, honest, quality goods they are proud of. These values live within them as they explore the awe-inspiring regions across the Pacific Northwest. They believe geographic boundaries shouldn’t define the wines. The wines are created to be fresh, approachable, and ready for any occasion anywhere.
What makes the Pacific Northwest so unique? The fact that dense forests, winding waterways, and snow-packed peaks are all in our backyard? Or is it that no matter how far you go and how many sights you see, there's always more to explore? Each wine is crafted with this reverence of place—but their goal is to never stop exploring new regions and new wines.
They're creating wine for those who cherish the wonder in wandering, who understand that the best places to explore are sometimes right around the corner, and for those of us who opt for the long way home. Inspired by the Pacific Northwest, and #MadebyOregon.
Washington produces so many exciting wines, and that definitely includes Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 10,000 acres under vine, Cabernet Sauvignon is now the most widely-grown varietal in the state. Terrific examples hail from sub-appellations like Red Mountain, Wahluke Slope, Horse Heaven Hills and Walla Walla Valley. One of the fascinations of these Columbia Valley Cabs is that they so often seem to have one foot in the New World and one in the Old. Representing the former are characteristics like the ripe, forward fruit that results from long sunny days during the growing season (up to two hours longer than in much of California). Old World similarities include an undeniable brightness from acidity, as well as notes of herbs, graphite and a dusty, sometimes gravelly minerality.
Whether you’re looking for a budget bottle for everyday enjoyment, or a stellar, world-class wine with tremendous aging potential, Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines can deliver the goods! Among the many fine options are bottles from Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, L’ecole #41, Quilceda Creek and Leonetti.