Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot, aged 21 months in 61% new French oak, the 2013 The illusionist has a beautiful perfume of black cherries, currants, lead pencil and leafy herbs to go with a medium to full-bodied, rich, yet elegant and lively style on the palate. This is a high quality 2013 that has ripe tannin, good mid-palate depth and will drink nicely for a decade or more.
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Wine Spectator
Polished and well-structured, with black cherry, dark chocolate and clove aromas and layered flavors of blackberry and dusty spice. Drink now through 2024.
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Wine Enthusiast
Coming from a blend of fruit from the Walla Walla Valley, Red Mountain and Yakima Valley appellations, this wine opens with high-toned aromas of spice box, dark cherry, earth, tobacco and herb. The flavors are full and tightly coiled, with lightly grained tannins giving support. At times it seems a bit dried out.
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.