Winemaker Notes
INTRINSIC is a true expression of Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington yet with a new, distinct take. This wine has a refined nose with aromas of leather and cherries that are truthful to Cabernet Sauvignon in Washington. The flavors are layered with tones of blueberry jam, pomegranate and chocolate. The texture is rustic, yet silky, with a unique savory and inviting finish.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is the inaugural release from this winery. Forty percent of the wine was aged for a remarkable nine months on skins, with an equal amount aged in stainless steel and the rest in neutral oak. It dazzles with brooding aromas of herbs and black cherry. The flavors are ripe and succulent, backed by firm but well integrated tannins and a solid finish. #97 Wine Enthusiast Top 100 of 2016
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Wine Spectator
Firm in texture, brimming with raspberry, black cherry, violet and herb flavors that come together harmoniously on the finish against refined tannins. Has presence and persistence. Best from 2018 through 2024.
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.