Winemaker Notes
Blend: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Combining elegance with a keen structure, this red offers refined black cherry accented by green olive and dusky spice flavors that build tension and richness toward fine-grained tannins.
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Wine Enthusiast
This wine has it all, from great fruit and sharp acidity to a pleasing texture and integrated tannins. You know, just the bear necessities.This Bear enters from stage left with aromas of blackberries, fresh-pitched Yakima Valley hay, and a wisp of Madagascar vanilla bean. The balanced, medium-bodied wine then delivers rich, juicy flavors of black cherries,mocha, and star anise. Editor’s Choice.
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.