Winemaker Notes
A prominent perfume of mocha and dark cherry cordial, with underlying notes of raked earth, roasted herbs, and fractured rock that balance the fruit. On the palate, a kiss of acid and supple tannin lend structure to the black plum and a faint beef dripping. Well-integrated toasted oak and red / blue fruits compliment the lengthy finish.
Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 1% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
The aromas are thoroughly captivating, with notes of scorched earth, cocoa, black currant, graphite and bittersweet chocolate. Plush, polished, seamless fruit flavors follow. There's a sophistication and intensity to it all that is mesmerizing.
Editors' Choice -
James Suckling
Aromas of blackcurrants, blackberry compote, vanilla and praline. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and excellent density. Lengthy, weighty finish. 75% cabernet sauvignon, 24% merlot and 1% malbec.
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.