Winemaker Notes
Showcases signature aromatics consistent with its lineage—intermingling black and red fruits, cedar, and baking spice. The palate produces mouth-watering acidity supporting a tapestry of black and red fruits, black cherry, and cedar box complexity. Its elegant structure promises impressive aging potential. Undeniably delicious.
Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The wine's black fruit aromas are almost outshone by its candied lavender and loamy soil notes. However, its blackberry and black cherry flavors dominate the palate, joined by traces of cedar and espresso. The medium-bodied wine's acidity is juicy, but its black tea tannins are formidable. The Dissident, 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, spent 18 months in French oak that was 40% new and 60% used.
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Wine Spectator
Precise and tightly focused, with handsome black cherry, tobacco and dusky spice flavors that gather tension and tannins on the finish.
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.