Winemaker Notes
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, 3% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Protagonist (92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah, and 3% Petit Verdot) is another outstanding wine. Lots of cassis and black cherry fruits as well as lead pencil shavings and tobacco notes emerge from this medium to full-bodied, nicely textured, and balanced Cabernet. It's one of the more expansive, complete wines in the lineup and will evolve beautifully for 15+ years.
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Wine Spectator
A handsome red, potent yet polished, with blackberry and currant flavors laced with pencil lead and hints of dusty herbs, finishing with broad-shouldered tannins.
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of dried orange rind, fresh herbs, black cherry and tar are followed by fresh, fruitful flavors. It's direct in the appeal of its primary fruit.
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.