Winemaker Notes
Classic ripe Cabernet Sauvignon aromas fill this richly perfumed wine. Fragrant currant and black berry, mocha and sweet French oak tones harmonize with mineral tones in this powerful reserve old vine Cabernet. Long flavors and powerful structure come from low yielding vines and fully extracted winestyle. Fragrant and able to drink now, it will age for years to come, like the many vintages before.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
More cassis, tobacco, and violets notes emerge from the 2017 Protagonist and it too is medium-bodied, elegant and fresh, with a light texture. Both of these drop off slightly on the finish but are solid, outstanding wines. This cuvee is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Syrah, aged in 80% new French oak.
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.