Winemaker Notes
An expressive, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with concentrated aromas of black currant, dark plum, and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, layers of ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, and subtle spice unfold, supported by refined tannins that lend a silky texture. The wine’s dark fruit flavors linger elegantly, leading to a long, polished finish.
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Rich red fruit from Red Mountain is joined by Cab (and 5% Merlot) from other sites on Candy Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, an old-worldly red seasoned in dried herb and cedar. Medium-bodied, it shows elegance and restraint.
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Wine Spectator
This handsomely structured red features refined flavors of blackberry, currant and cedar that gather tension toward fine- 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.