Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Pursued by Bear Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, concentrated wine with impressive freshness and balance. Aromas of red plum, cedar, and graphite mingle with a touch of licorice, leading to a layered palate of pure cassis and ripe plum, underscored by earthy hints of dried sage. Lusciously mouth-filling on the mid-palate, silky tannins and lively acidity guide the way to a refined, lingering finish.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
High-toned and textured like its cousin Twin Bear, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is softer in tannins, but equally worth attention. Textured, complex, and savory, it has dark, deep layers of full-bodied black fruit at its core and a lasting note of iron and oak.
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Wine Spectator
This distinguished red is sleekly structured and expressive, with refined black cherry flavors accented by dusky spice, pencil lead and espresso tones that build tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2032.
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Vinous
The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley opens with a mentholated burst of dried herbs, violets, stone dust and spice. It's silky smooth yet lifted and spry, with vibrant acidity and ripe red and black fruits that take on a mineral tinge toward the close. This finishes structured yet fresh, with admirable length and a pleasantly chewy sensation. Rating: 92+
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.