Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A rocking value, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyards would cost five times the price if it came from Napa. Made from 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot, aged 22 months in 62% new French oak, it has fabulous Cabernet character in its ripe currant fruits, crushed rock, and tobacco leaf-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, with a great texture, drink it anytime over the coming decade.
-
Wine Enthusiast
The aromas bring notes of toast, spice and dark fruit. The flavors are pitch black, showing the warmth of the vintage and appellation along with their appeal.
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.