Winemaker Notes
Aromas of black currant and all-spice waft from the glass while on the palate the wine expresses flavors of black cherry, red pears and a hint of minerality.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of plum, black currant, pencil lead, whole green pepper and dried herb are followed by rich, ripe flavors. It’s chock-full of fleshy fruit. A sneaky layer of firm tannins backs it all up. It delivers big-time value. Drink now. Best Buy.
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.