Winemaker Notes
Red cherry and fresh herb on the nose with hints of crushed stone and mocha. Bright and pleasing on the palate, with a generous fruit driven mid-palate and a long, clean finish.
Pairs well with cured hams like serrano, prosciutto or sliced country ham.
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has serious structure courtesy of a dollop of Petit Verdot. Aromas are as simple as boysenberry jam on a toasted and buttered slice of sourdough bread, but they are fetching. Raspberry and fresh basil flavors are supported by brawny, leathery tannins.
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.