Winemaker Notes
#82 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2018
Alluring aromatics of black pepper, charred oak, and dark berries introduce notes of van cherry, red apple, and sweet fresh tobacco on the palate. Medium-bodied and balanced with a supple tannic structure.
Pair with grilled meats, vegetables, or simply enjoy by the glass.
Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petite Verdot, 2% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Sleek and well-defined, with expressive black cherry and savory spice flavors that finish with polished tannins. Drink now through 2023.
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.