Winemaker Notes
The nose is full of rich notes of black currant and black cherry, freshly brewed coffee, a slight hint of vanilla, and a little bit of spiciness. The entry is nice and round, with a rich mid-palate throughout. The mouth is full of ripe black fruit notes, some spiciness, and a touch of herbaceousness.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This has aromas of blackberries, bramble leaves, olives, paprika and dark chocolate. It’s medium-bodied with sleek, well-integrated tannins. Excellent balance of fruit and savory herb notes. Drink or hold.
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Wine Spectator
This red is appealing for its straightforward currant, bay leaf and dusky spice flavors that finish with medium-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.