Winemaker Notes
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A terrific wine, as well as a solid value, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc) is a big, rich, full-bodied beauty that has terrific purity in its cassis and black raspberry fruits, toasty oak, scorched earth and licorice aromas and flavors. Brought up in 33% new French oak, it should drink nicely for a decade. Bravo to the team here for this level of quality at this price point.
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.