Winemaker Notes
At a first glance, this wine appears a deep purple with burgundy hues. The aromatics are layered and complex. Spiced plum, tanned leather, dried cherries, and pink peppercorn welcome you before taking the first sip. On the palate, you taste dark bing cherry, blackberry, vanilla, tamarind, driftwood, and baking spice. Savory nuances add to the taste and compliment the fruit character. The finish is textured, powerful, grippy, and velvety. Overall this wine is bright and has many age-worthy qualities. We
recommend laying this wine down a few years to see its progression over time, however, it is very tasty and drink-worthy now!
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Aromas of oolong, jasmine, redcurrant and plum. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Ripe red fruit and bark wash over the palate, carried by fresh and bright acidity. Vanilla finish. Tasty. 80% cabernet franc,15% syrah and 5% petit verdot.
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and polished up front, with expressive black cherry and stony mineral accents that build tension and structure toward fine-grained tannins.
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.