Winemaker Notes
2008 Traditions epitomizes Eastern Washington Cabernet. It is dark, harmonious and complex with black cherry, plum, cassis, vanilla, spicy oak, chocolate, dried herbs and a whiff of mint. While it is soft on the palate there are enough fine-grained tannins to lend an approachable, velvety structure. Open a bottle with roasted meats, stews, lamb kebabs, cassoulet, hamburgers, barbecue, ribs, sloppy joes, tacos or pizza.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine & Spirits
Leading with scents reminiscent of evergreen and plum, this wine's savory note carries through its generous black cherry flavors. Rich mocha oak emerges on the palate, in balance with the fruit. A lot of wine for the price. Serve it with tri-tip off the grill.
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.