Winemaker Notes
Vibrant aromatics of black cherry, espresso beans and bittersweet chocolate introduce this richly structured Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a multi-layered wine with expressive flavors of black and red berries complemented by notes of savory spice. Its luscious mouthfeel persists across a lengthy finish. Several vineyard sites throughout the Columbia Valley, mostly on the Wahluke Slope, were selected to source the fruit that provides its depth and complexity. Aged 11 months in French oak prior to bottling.
Blend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 6% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of cherry, dried tobacco, and spice are followed by spicy dark-fruit flavors. There's a mixture of intensity and restraint. Give it some time in the decanter to see it at its best.
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Wine Spectator
Expressive and high-toned, with black cherry and fresh fig flavors laced with dusty mocha hints of bay leaf.
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.