Winemaker Notes
Suave and complex with classical aromatics of currants and dark berries married to new French oak and savory earthiness. Supported by 2% Malbec bringing spice and pepper notes with aromatic brightness. Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannic intensity vies with the voluptuous Merlot for attention in this dynamic wine.
Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, 2% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
There is a very fresh, upbeat and floral style on the nose with a wealth of earth, bracken and leafy nuances on offer. The palate has a beautifully composed core of fresh blue-fruit flavors, carried on fresh and fine tannins. A blend of 50% cabernet sauvignon, 48% merlot and 2% malbec. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Conflict checks in as a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 2% Malbec that spent 20 months in 300-liter puncheons. Deep purple/ruby-colored, it’s a full-bodied, ripe, polished beauty that has loads of black fruits, spring flowers, underbrush, and mint-laced aromas and flavors. It's a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine from this estate.
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Wine Enthusiast
Cabernet Sauvignon makes up half of this wine, with the rest Merlot (48%) and a pinch of Malbec. Aromas of coffee grounds, dark chocolate, bell pepper, leafy green herbs and cherry are at the fore. A textured, fullbodied, lively palate follows along with a warm finish. Chalky tannins back it up.
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Wine Spectator
Harmonious, with muscle simmering underneath, showing black cherry and blueberry flavors, laced with fresh sage and spice notes. Finishes with fine-grained tannins.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
As the first recognized wine-growing region in the Pacific Northwest, Yakima Valley is centrally located within Washington’s vast Columbia Valley. The region also includes Washington’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines, Otis Vineyard, planted in 1957, and Harrison Hill Vineyard, planted in 1963. Yakima Valley contains three smaller sub-regions: Rattlesnake Hills, Red Mountain, and Snipes Mountain and is ideal for both red and white wine production. In fact, Yakima Valley is Washington’s most diverse region, boasting more than 40 different grape varieties over about one hundred miles.
The cooler parts of the valley are home to almost half of the Chardonnay and Riesling produced in the state! Both are made in a wide range of styles depending on the conditions of the vineyard site.
But its warmer locations yield a large proportion of Washington’s best Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The finest Yakima Valley reds are jam-packed full of red cherry, currant, raspberry or blackberry fruit, as well as cocoa, herb, spice and savory notes, and exhibit a supple texture, great body, focus and length.