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. Sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills, these grapes were selected to craft a wine with depth, complexity and refined structure. Aged 11 months in French oak prior to bottling.
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Notes of cocoa-dusted black cherries and blueberries with lilac, chocolate cedar and crushed rosemary. Medium- to full-bodied, textured and velvety with succulent dark berry fruit and a chalky, flavorful finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
This chalky textured blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah is light in body, with some nice acidity and surprisingly firm tannins. Aromas like black currants, cranberries and honeycomb lead into flavors of Bing cherries, coffee and sage.
Best Buy -
Wine Spectator
Structured yet approachable, with appealing black cherry, savory herb and spice flavors that speed toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2029. 4,968 cases made.
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.