Winemaker Notes
Depth and layer upon layer, black cassis, dark cherry, tobacco leaf, and morels. Then, pushes on to a full palate, that is savory, mineral-driven and earthbound. Smooth, long, compelling... in a word: harmonious.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The base 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is brilliant, and as Cabernet Sauvignon goes, it’s a value that’s hard to beat! Classic black and blue fruits, damp earth, violets, and tobacco notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort that stays pure, impeccably balanced, and vibrant on the palate. It’s the real deal, and if it was from Napa, it would sell for 3-4 times the price.
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James Suckling
A very appealing, all-round cabernet that gets all the treatment, in terms of natural-yeast fermentation and extended maceration in purpose-built tanks. It is made from vineyards with dedicated, higher-density planting to achieve the right level of ripeness and depth. The nose has abundant cassis with cooler, leafy aromas, as well as a very composed palate that delivers deep purple fruit and impressive length.
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Wine Spectator
Precise and vibrantly structured, with black cherry, espresso and spice flavors that take on richness toward polished tannins. Drink now through 2024.
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.