Winemaker Notes
This has an herbal and floral nose, complemented by aromas of black cherry. The flavors are layered with tones of dried cherries, pomegranate and cocoa. The texture is rustic, yet silky, with a unique savory and long finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has a youthful and attractive nose of blackcurrants, mulberries, olives and anise. It’s full-bodied and textured, with firm yet ripe tannins and chewy black fruit. 90% cabernet sauvignon, 5% cabernet franc and 5% malbec with extended maceration for about 9 months on skins.
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.