Winemaker Notes
Black and blue fruits, rustic brambleberry, moist earth, tobacco, chocolate, leather and a touch of vanilla and peppermint. Small hints of cassis, plum and mixed spices. A touch of tartness is a pleasant first sensation. The mid-palate is full and the finish long and a bit creamy but it also has a touch of rustic refinement. Flavors of dark berry, peppermint, cinnamon, earth and a little vanilla make this wine extremely pleasant on both the nose and the palate. A perfectly quaffable Cabernet. Have a seat, reflect on the day and chill out with each sip.
Blend: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Syrah
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.