Winemaker Notes
The 2018 vintage provided an immaculate backdrop of warm summer sun and cool fall nights. Combine that with hand crafted artistry and extreme attention to detail, and you have the perfect example of what makes Washington State and Chateau Ste. Michelle truly special.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Ethos is also all Cabernet and was brought up in 49% new French oak. It has impressive cassis and darker black raspberry fruits intermixed with spicy oak, lead pencil, and subtle background tobacco and spice. I love its texture, and it's medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Drink this elegant, classic, impeccably made Washington State Cabernet Sauvignon over the coming 15-20 years.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a beam of lively fruit framed by spirited acidity and tannins, with blackberry, dusty mocha and graphite accents.
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.