Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Brought up in 55% new barrels, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon The Illusionist offers old-school, classic notes of crème de cassis, violets, and tobacco. It’s medium to full-bodied, has considerable elegant, ripe tannins, and good acidity. It’s another beautiful wine from this team. Range: 93-95
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James Suckling
A perfumed cabernet sauvignon with aromas of lavender, violets, blueberries, blackcurrants and tobacco. It’s medium-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and fresh acidity. Structured, with a succulent palate and bright finish. Drink from 2022.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 The Illusionist is dark ruby colored at the core with a solid ruby rim. Aromas of black cherry skin, redcurrant, cassis, sweet tobacco and dried herbs float out of the glass along with a soft dusty red floral expression. Medium to full-bodied, the wine has a firm chassis fruit and tannin, while showing a balanced structure and continues to unfold with complexity. The finish is still tight but lingers long. Give this another year in bottle before opening. Rating: 91+
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.