Winemaker Notes
This big and fruity Cabernet will pair perfectly with leg of lamb, roasted duck, wild game and, of course, fatty steaks.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackberries, plums, coffee, incense and violets on the nose. It’s full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Chalky and textured on the palate with tobacco and bitter-chocolate notes. Tight and structured with some length. Try from 2022.
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Wine Spectator
This muscular red remains focused and balanced, offering deep black currant, pencil lead and dusky spice accents that build toward full-bodied tannins. Best from 2022 through 2030. 3,000 cases made.
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.