Winemaker Notes
Integrating a small amount of traditional Bordeaux varietals like Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot allows Sagelands to create a complex and versatile mosaic. The Merlot softens the palate, the Malbec adds fruit and color and the Petit Verdot brings a touch of blueberry and fine tannins. The wine is very approachable now and will continue to gain complexity over the next few years.
This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon reveals an attractive ruby color and intense nose of blackberry, blueberry, Bing cherry and toasty oak and vanilla notes hinting of wild violet.
Enjoy this delightful wine paired with beef Teriyaki, grilled chicken breast with Jamaican jerk seasoning or pork tenderloin with orange-chipotle sauce.
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.