Winemaker Notes
Snoqualmie has been producing classic varietal wines from Columbia Valley vineyards for over two decades. Snoqualmie's vineyards lie within three distinct growing regions of the Columbia Valley: Wahluke Slope, Yakima Valley and Horse Haven Hills. Each area produces grapes with flavors unique to the area, and Joy considers the individuality of each growing region one of her strongest winemaking tools.
Styled for easy drinking and as a complement to food, the Columbia Valley tier wines are as welcome on a picnic table as they are on a linen tablecloth.
Rosebud Vineyard, on the Wahluke Slope, one of the warmest areas in the state, was planted in 1981 and is one of the original vineyards for Snoqualmie wines. As of 1991 Snoqualmie has an exclusive contract with Rosebud Vineyards. It is the source for their single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
Snoqualmie's reserve wines are made a barrel at a time using artisan winemaking techniques. Quantities are extremely limited.
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.