Winemaker Notes
Rich and expressive, this Cabernet Sauvignon delivers depth, power, and polish. Built on structure yet driven by lush fruit, it’s crafted for those who appreciate both intensity and balance.
Professional Ratings
-
Jeb Dunnuck
The full-bodied, supple 2023 Readers By J. Bookwalter Cabernet Sauvignon Readers offers outstanding value in its simple, approachable tannins, with earthy dried herb and sage. Blended with 13% Syrah and smidgens of Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc, it’s a great by-the-glass wine aged 22 months in neutral oak and Infinity barrels that’s ready to drink now.
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.