Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a full-bodied cabernet that has inviting aromas of chocolate cherries, black plums, mocha and some vanilla. It’s firm yet creamy and plush with excellent persistency. Drink now or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon offers high quality for its modest price. Matured for 10 months in 15% new French oak barriques, it's scented of red cherries, charcuterie, aniseed and dried herbs. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and savory with soft, grainy tannins, refreshing acidity and a layered finish.
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.