Winemaker Notes
The Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from grapes grown in south facing vineyards in Washington State's Columbia Valley, where the northern latitude and continental climate produce wines with excellent structure. This full bodied wine has aromas of cherry and pomegranate, highlighted by clove and caramel notes. On the palate it offers flavors of ripe blackberry and cedar, ending with a smooth, harmonious finish.
It makes an excellent accompaniment to beef, lamb, game dishes, and a variety of cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Ripe dark cherries and blackberries with baking spices, grilled herbs and wet stone character. Hints of tar. Full-bodied, juicy and succulent, with a velvety tannin structure and plush, dark-fruited 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.