Winemaker Notes
Appealing aromas of crushed cherries with hints of lightly roasted coffee, vanilla, cloves, and a tinge of mint play on the nose and continue to unfold on a broad palate where further layers of savory olive and black walnut develop. The generous structure is elegantly woven with pleasant acidity and velvet-like tannins as ample dark fruits continue to deliver a persistent finish.
Blend: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon wafts up from the glass with a dusty yet understated mix of crushed violets, lavender and black cherries complemented by exotic spice. It's silky-smooth, displaying wonderful finesse, with a blend of blueberry and blackberry fruits motivated by brisk acidity. This tapers off long and staining to the senses, leaving a primary concentration of fruit and a buzz of residual acidity that maintains fabulous freshness.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive and polished, with detailed black cherry and red currant flavors, laced with licorice and dusky spices as this gathers richness toward refined tannins.
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James Suckling
Aromas of leather, cassis and cured meat. Full-bodied with slightly chewy tannins. Linear, with good depth and intensity. Lovely rock-salt salinity at the finish. Best after 2024.
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Wine Enthusiast
Boysenberry jam and violets burst from the glass, joined by aromas of leather and duff. Black cherries, toasted almonds, saline and cacao nibs navigate the creamy mouthfeel of this wine, with silky tannins and citrusy acidity. Graceful and pleasing.
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, and smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from a mix of sites, the deep ruby/purple-hued 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up exotic character in its currant, mulberry, new leather, and spicy aromas and flavors. These carry to a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with ripe, polished tannins and outstanding length.
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.